What is Recycled Water?
The California Water Code defines recycled water as “water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur.” Basically, recycled water is highly-treated wastewater that is safe for many non-drinking purposes including irrigation of parks, school landscape and golf courses, habitat restoration and various commercial and industrial uses. This reduces the amount of potable (drinking) water required for non-drinking uses, ensuring that the best and purest sources of water will be reserved for the highest use: drinking water.
The California Water Code defines recycled water as “water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur.” Water recycling allows water managers to match water quality to specific reuse applications. This reduces the amount of fresh water required for non drinking uses, ensuring that the best and purest sources of water will be reserved for the highest use – public drinking water. In our area, wastewater is processed and treated at South Bayside System Authority (SBSA) located in southeastern Redwood Shores. After entering the plant, wastewater from homes and businesses undergoes a carefully regulated purification and disinfection process. Throughout the process, samples are taken and tested in a state-of-the-art laboratory to ensure high-quality water.
Recycled water starts out as wastewater. After arriving at our wastewater treatment plants, the water is then purified so it is suitable for landscape irrigation and other non-drinking purposes. Wastewater is processed through biological treatment, filtration, and a disinfection system before it becomes recycled water for landscape irrigation. A dedicated system of pipelines is constructed for recycled water, which is completely separate from drinking water pipelines. These pipes are colored purple to distinguish them from drinking water pipes.
Wastewater is the spent or used water from a community. It comes from domestic, commercial and industrial sources and is delivered via the sewers to wastewater treatment plants. The average person produces 200 litres of wastewater every day. Wastewater is 99.97% water because by far the greatest volume comes from showers, baths and washing machines. The rest is dissolved and suspended matter. Wastewater also comes from industrial processes. Before being recycled wastewater is treated to stringent health regulations to meet a standard that is appropriate for its intended use. When reused for a beneficial purpose this water is known as “recycled water”. Currently, in Perth most treated wastewater is returned to the marine environment via ocean outlets. A small amount is returned to the environment via infiltration/evaporation ponds.
Related Questions
- Is there a concern that groundwater supplies could be adversely affected by the use of recycled water for landscape and agricultural irrigation?
- How can I tell if the water I see irrigating parks and other outdoor spaces is drinking water or recycled water?
- What is the water pressure of Class A+ recycled water? Is it as good as the normal drinking water supply?
