Return to Water Management
Introduction
To conserve natural resources like trees, minerals and fossil fuels, we recycle glass, plastics, paper and aluminum cans. So what about water?
Hopefully these Earth Smart Actions have illustrated how reliant we are on clean water for just about everything we do in our lives. We also know that climate change adds to an already complex picture of water management in California.
Recognizing the value of all water, the State Water Board included the use of recycled water as an integral part of their comprehensive plan for water conservation and sustainability, with a goal to more than triple the volume of recycled water for beneficial uses by 2030. Currently, only about 13% of California’s wastewater is being reclaimed and reused.
Hopefully these Earth Smart Actions have illustrated how reliant we are on clean water for just about everything we do in our lives. We also know that climate change adds to an already complex picture of water management in California.
Recognizing the value of all water, the State Water Board included the use of recycled water as an integral part of their comprehensive plan for water conservation and sustainability, with a goal to more than triple the volume of recycled water for beneficial uses by 2030. Currently, only about 13% of California’s wastewater is being reclaimed and reused.
Reuse, recycle, reclaim
In order to fully understand the potential value of recycled water, let’s revisit the process. Recycled water, also referred to as reused or reclaimed water, is wastewater that has undergone an extensive treatment process, and then is used again. Recall that wastewater is the water that goes down the sink, drain or toilet after we use it. When wastewater is recycled, it undergoes additional levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection (tertiary treatment) to meet standards set out by state and federal mandates, and is regulated by the California Department of Public Health and the State Water Board.
In order to fully understand the potential value of recycled water, let’s revisit the process. Recycled water, also referred to as reused or reclaimed water, is wastewater that has undergone an extensive treatment process, and then is used again. Recall that wastewater is the water that goes down the sink, drain or toilet after we use it. When wastewater is recycled, it undergoes additional levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection (tertiary treatment) to meet standards set out by state and federal mandates, and is regulated by the California Department of Public Health and the State Water Board.
Indirect use
Treated wastewater can be used either directly or indirectly. Communities that draw their supply from large water bodies, like the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, are using treated wastewater indirectly even though they might not identify it as such. Wastewater from communities surrounding the Sacramento River is treated at wastewater treatment facilities, and the treated wastewater is discharged back into the river.
Treated wastewater can be used either directly or indirectly. Communities that draw their supply from large water bodies, like the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, are using treated wastewater indirectly even though they might not identify it as such. Wastewater from communities surrounding the Sacramento River is treated at wastewater treatment facilities, and the treated wastewater is discharged back into the river.
The water discharged upstream becomes part of the water supply downstream and eventually flows into water supply reservoirs. Water undergoes a natural treatment process and is mixed with the surface water, further diluting trace constituents. It’s then delivered to local water agencies where it is again treated to meet drinking water standards. Once the water meets these strict safety standards, it is delivered as potable water to homes.
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This constant cycle of reuse does not lead water customers to regard their tap water as recycled. In fact, this practice occurs throughout the state, including the Sacramento River, which is the primary source of water for the State Water Project that supplies water to almost 30 million residents.
Another indirect use of reclaimed water is for groundwater recharge. In some communities, reclaimed water is pumped or percolates into groundwater aquifers. Like the example of the Sacramento River, groundwater that is pumped out for potable use gets treated again to meet drinking water standards before being distributed in the potable water system.
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Direct use
A more obvious and recognizable example of recycled water is when it is used directly in the community. In order to avoid confusion or crossing lines with the potable water system, purple pipes and clear signage are always used. Reclaimed water is typically used for landscaping irrigation at parks and public areas, agriculture irrigation and industrial uses like cooling and dust control. Based on 2015 data from the State Water Board, reclaimed water is primarily used for agriculture irrigation (31%), landscape irrigation (18%) and groundwater recharge (16%). These indirect and direct uses demonstrate the value of reclaimed water as a reliable and sustainable water resource. This is why local water agencies include recycled water as a present and future local source as they work to diversify their water supply portfolios in direct response to challenges like drought and climate change. |
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Recycling water at home
Recycling water isn’t just for water agencies. In fact, residents are encouraged to reuse water at home as part of overall household water conservation efforts. Here are a few very easy ways to collect and reuse water for houseplants, gardens and landscaping:
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Instructions
For a more advanced approach, in this action you’ll do a simple investigation to calculate the rain harvesting potential of your roof.
- Print this Data Collection Sheet, and grab a pencil.
- Follow the instructions on the data sheet to calculate the volume of water you could collect from your roof during a typical rainy year.
- Report back to the city by clicking on the SUBMIT FINDINGS link below.
Evaluate and Report
Please submit your results to help your community plan for the future.
