The following are frequently asked questions about the SFPUC’s Recycled Water Program.
RECYCLED WATER PROGRAM QUESTIONS
- What is recycled water?
- Is recycled water safe?
- How long has recycled water been in use?
- Where is recycled water used locally?
- What is the SFPUC doing to make sure the recycled water is always safe?
- How do I get more information on the SFPUC’s Recycled Water Program?
Recycled water is highly treated wastewater that has been purified through multiple levels of treatment to meet the stringent health standards set by the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Hundreds of communities throughout California are using recycled water. Approved and common uses include:
- Irrigation of parks and playgrounds, golf courses, freeway landscaping and residential common areas
- Commercial toilet and urinal flushing
- Industrial processing
- Industrial and commercial cooling or air-conditioning
- Commercial laundries
- Decorative fountains
- Lake recharge
- Wetlands projects
Yes. Recycled water must meet stringent regulatory requirements established by the State Department of Public Health, and be treated to the State of California Title 22 standards. Wastewater is treated to these rigid standards to ensure that public health and environmental quality are protected. Recycled water is required to be monitored and tested daily to ensure that it consistently meets these high quality standards.
How long has recycled water been in use?
Recycled water systems have been operating in California and throughout the nation since the early 1960’s. Recycled water is used in more than 1,600 individual parks, playgrounds or schoolyard sites throughout the United States. For over 40 years, agriculture has had success using recycled water for irrigating a variety of crops including hay, pasture grasses, vegetables, wine grapes, and turf.
Where is recycled water used locally?
More than 1,600 sites in 11 states are using recycled water, including 160 cities in California. Recycled water is currently being used throughout the Bay Area in many communities, including Daly City, Oakland, Alameda, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Palo Alto, Santa Clara and San Jose.
What is the SFPUC doing to make sure the recycled water is always safe?
Recycled water quality would be monitored by treatment plant personnel daily to ensure that rigid water quality standards are continually met. Water testing takes place throughout the treatment process. Water quality testing results are reported to, and monitored by, regulatory officials including the California Department of Public Health and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, to ensure high quality standards are met. Additionally, proper use of recycled water for the SFPUC’s Recycled Water Program will be ensured through implementation of Best Management Practices, appropriate signage and markings, cross-connection testing, and control of overspray and runoff at irrigation sites.
How do I get more information on the SFPUC’s Recycled Water Program?
For more information on the Recycled Water Program, contact Suzanne Gautier (SFPUC Communications) at sgautier@sfwater.org, or call 415-554-3204.
