Background
The Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA), in partnership with the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San), has developed a recycled water system that treats and delivers up to five million-gallons-per-day of recycled water. This water is used for irrigation purposes thereby conserving and extending the life of our precious drinking water resources.
In May 2003 the recycled water system officially went online and is currently delivering recycled water to the communities of Laguna West, Lakeside, and Stonelake in the Elk Grove and Laguna areas. Specifically, recycled water is used to irrigate street medians, commercial landscaping, parks and school sites.
Recycled water is also known as reclaimed or non-potable (non-drinking) water. The recycled water begins as treated wastewater processed at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. It then undergoes further treatment including chemical treatment and filtration. After disinfection this water can be recycled back to the community for use in all non-potable water systems. This recycled water is clean, clear, and safe; however, it is NOT used for human consumption.
Benefits of recycled water use
- Reduces the amount of groundwater and surface water that is used for non-potable irrigation.
- Provides Sacramento County Water Agency customers with a reliable and drought-proof source of irrigation water.
- Reduces the amount of wastewater discharged into the Sacramento River.
Recycled Water Rules and Regulations
- Rules and Regulations for Recycled Water
- General Waste Discharge Requirements for Landscape Irrigation Uses of Municipal Recycled Water
- Approval of Wholesale Agreement
- Regulations Related to Recycled Water
