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Frequently Asked Questions

 

RECYCLED WATER SAFETY
 
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.” Recycled water 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.
 
How will the public know if the water sprinkling a landscaped area is drinking water or recycled water?
Landscape areas using recycled water will be clearly marked with signage stating the use of recycled water.
 
Has anybody ever gotten sick from recycled water?
Recycled water is commonly used throughout the United States and there are no confirmed reported cases of serious illness or allergies from using recycled water for its intended use of landscape irrigation.
 
Could recycled water get mixed with drinking water?
A separate set of pipes will carry the recycled water. Pursuant to state law, the recycled water pipes will either be colored purple or clearly marked indicating recycled water use. There will be no direct interconnections or cross connections between the two water systems.
 
When the new system is put into service, its pipeline pressure will be lower than the drinking water system’s pressure, so even if someone tries to cross-connect a recycled water line with a drinking water line, drinking water will push back into the recycled water line, which essentially will serve as a double protection of the drinking water supply. These systems will be regularly monitored to ensure safety.