Abstract The present study highlights the evolution, progress and prospects of future practices of water reuse in the world. The objective was to produce a comprehensive timeline on the global evolution and progress of water reuse. This was achieved through the analysis of the state of the art on the subject. The present study is a qualitative research, where three aspects have been considered to highlight the global evolution of water reuse: i) Regulations, Standards, Criteria or Guidelines (RSCG); ii) Indirect Potable Reuse Projects (IPR); and iii) Direct Potable Reuse Projects (DPR). The study focused on both legal and practical aspects of water reuse and considered three timelines in the context of RSCG, IPR and DPR: 29 RSCG instruments, institutionalized from 1918 to 2020, where only four instruments were solely dedicated to drinking water reuse; 10 IPR projects; five DPR projects. To achieve good, effective results, the regulatory framework must support the objectives of a structured water reuse policy in addition to guaranteeing legitimacy and maintaining public confidence. Integrated water and wastewater management, based on technological and scientific advances, has become a relevant aspect for implementation of more adequate measures by decision makers to address future global water challenges.