In a groundbreaking move, California regulators are poised to vote on new rules that would allow water agencies to recycle wastewater and reintroduce it directly into the pipelines supplying drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. This significant step reflects the state’s ongoing struggle to secure a reliable source of drinking water for its over 39 million residents. It also signifies a notable shift in public opinion on a topic that, just two decades ago, faced backlash and thwarted similar initiatives.
California’s long-standing battle with extreme droughts, including the recent record-breaking dry spell, has heightened the urgency for sustainable water solutions. Jennifer West, managing director of WateReuse California, emphasizes the importance of using water more than once in a state where water scarcity is a constant concern.
While California has utilized recycled wastewater for various purposes, such as making ice for hockey rinks, manufacturing snow for ski resorts, and irrigating farmlands, the prospect of direct consumption is a novel development. Orange County has pioneered a water purification system that recycles wastewater, allowing it to replenish underground aquifers before being retrieved for drinking water use. However, the new rules under consideration would permit water agencies to treat wastewater and reintroduce it directly into the drinking water system, making California only the second state, after Colorado, to allow this practice.
The proposed rules mandate stringent treatment for all pathogens and viruses, surpassing regular water treatment standards. Darrin Polhemus, deputy director of the division of drinking water for the California Water Resources Control Board, notes that the process achieves drinking water quality, and in many instances, even surpasses it. Despite the potential for improved water quality, building these treatment facilities is expensive and time-consuming, making it a viable option initially for larger, well-funded cities like San Diego.
San Diego, aiming to achieve nearly half of its water supply through recycling by 2035, exemplifies the commitment of certain cities to embrace this innovative approach. Water agencies undertaking such projects will be required to garner public support, with rules mandating transparent communication to customers about the recycled water. San Jose, for instance, has opened the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center for public tours to showcase the high-tech process ensuring the cleanliness of the recycled water. While currently used for non-potable purposes like irrigation, plans are in place to integrate it into the drinking water supply to address the ongoing challenges of drought and climate change in California.