Recycled water is often described as “drought-proof” and “all-weather” source of water. To ensure an adequate and reliable supply of high-quality water, the water district has been partnering with cities and water retailers to expand the use of recycled water. Currently, about four percent of the county’s total water use is from recycled water. Its usage is limited primarily to landscaping. Recycled water use is expected to expand in the coming years.
What is recycled water?
Recycled water is wastewater that is purified through multiple levels of treatment.
Recycled water is clean, clear and safe. This processed water is treated to strict standards set by the California Department of Health Services and is rigorously monitored by local, state and federal agencies to ensure it continuously meets those standards. Recycled water is safe for irrigation, industrial and agricultural uses.
The benefits of recycled water:
- Conserves drinking water supplies.
- Provides a dependable, drought-proof, locally-controlled water supply.
- Reduces dependency on imported water.
- Helps preserve our saltwater and tidal habitat by reducing freshwater discharge to the bay.
Where does recycled water come from?
Recycled water comes from the treatment of wastewater. Wastewater is produced when we use sinks, showers, toilets, appliances and machinery in our homes, shops, offices and factories. Wastewater is piped through sanitary sewers to wastewater treatment plants where it progresses through three stages of treatment and disinfection.
The second stage of treatment is sufficient for landscape irrigation according to the California Department of Health Services.
The water district goes above and beyond that standard in Santa Clara County. All recycled water in Santa Clara County meets or exceeds standards set by the state for the various uses of recycled water.