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Mainstreaming Potable Water Reuse in the United States: Strategies for Leveling the Playing Field

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | April 18th, 2018

Summary

The practice of potable water reuse has evolved in important ways in the United States over the past 50 years, especially during the last 25 years. Prior to the 1990s, m

The practice of potable water reuse has evolved in important ways in the United States over the past 50 years, especially during the last 25 years. Prior to the 1990s, many cities and public health regulators recognized that municipal wastewater effluent accounted for a significant fraction of the surface water entering their drinking water treatment plants. Wastewater utilities generally addressed this situation by treating and disinfecting effluent consistent with Clean Water Act permitting requirements and, where feasible, minimizing the fraction of wastewater in drinking water intakes. Because of concerns associated with the presence of wastewater and contaminants from other sources (e.g., industrial pollution, agricultural runoff), some cities began to upgrade drinking water treatment plants by installing advanced treatment technologies to provide enhanced safeguards for public health protection. As water availability and water quality issues became more prevalent in rapidly growing areas, water managers soon began to explicitly consider the use of wastewater effluent to augment water supplies.

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Managing Wastewater in a Changing Climate

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | April 15th, 2019

Summary

California’s wastewater sector, which plays a crucial role in protecting publichealth and the environment, is at a turning point. Water supply and demand condit

California’s wastewater sector, which plays a crucial role in protecting publichealth and the environment, is at a turning point. Water supply and demand conditions are being affected by population growth, technology and policy changes, and drought. Climate change will bring new challenges. Wastewater agencies are tasked with reliably removing pollutants from water discarded to sewers, even as the quantity and quality of the water they treat declines. Of the multiple climate pressures that are likely to affect wastewater management, drought poses the biggest challenge for the sector. The unusually hot drought of 2012–16 provided a vivid demonstration of conditions that may become more common as the climate warms, and was a wake-up call for wastewater agencies. Many wastewater agencies are pursuing specific changes to their operations, infrastructure, or finances in response to the cascade of challenges they experienced during the latest drought. A PPIC survey of wastewater agencies done as part of this study found a high degree of concern in the sector about adapting to a changing climate. This report recommends policy and management changes to help build resilience in three broad areas: 1) Maintaining water quality in the face of changing water use.Wastewater management is challenged by short-term water conservation during droughts and longer-term reductions in water use from indoor efficiency measures—conditions which are largelybeyond the sector’s control. Reductions in indoor water use can damage infrastructure and reduce the effectiveness of existing treatment processes. Such challenges may grow as severe droughts become more frequent with climate change and as water efficiency increases. Better coordination and information sharing with water suppliers, and sector-wide planning for future droughts, are key to addressing these changes. 2) Making smart recycled water investments. Wastewater agencies produce highly treated water that is increasingly being reused as a water supply. Coordination among wastewater and water supply agencies is essential to respond to the increasing demand for recycled water. Formalized planning for recycled water projects at the regional level will likely lead to more efficient processes and better outcomes. New investments must be responsive to changing water use, climate change, and pending regulations. 3) Balancing conflicting objectives within watersheds. Most wastewater treatment plants discharge treated water into inland watersheds. Adapting to declining water use and meeting increased demand for recycled water may conflict with environmental objectives and the demands of downstream users. Rivers and streams are expected to experience lower flows and higher temperatures, which will heighten threats to aquatic ecosystems. Resources to identify areas most at risk of conflict over the use of treated wastewater are needed, as are tools to evaluate the impacts of water recycling projects on the environment and downstream water users. The state should also analyze its policies to identify tradeoffs and resolve conflicts between its water supply, water quality, and environmental goals. Advancements in engineering and technology can help wastewater agencies adapt to a changing climate―but shifts in policy and planning will facilitate a more efficient and effective path toward building resilience. The latest drought provided a window into the looming challenges facing the wastewater sector. Forging new partnerships and evaluating the full range of climate-related risks will help the sector determine the best adaptations and policy improvements needed to prepare the wastewater sector for a more volatile future.

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Matching Water Quality to Use (Resource Management Strategy)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 29th, 2016

Summary

Matching water quality to use is a management strategy that recognizes that not all water uses require the same water quality. One common measure of water quality is its

Matching water quality to use is a management strategy that recognizes that not all water uses require the same water quality. One common measure of water quality is its suitability for an intended use; a water quality constituent often is only considered a contaminant when that constituent adversely affects the intended use of the water. High-quality water sources can be used for drinking and industrial purposes that benefit from higher quality water and lesser quality water can be adequate for some uses. For example, a water supplier chooses to use a groundwater source for municipal use, which requires less treatment before delivery, rather than a natural stream. The potential benefit to the municipal user could be reduced disinfection byproducts in the delivered drinking water source and a secondary benefit would accrue to the natural riparian system because water would be left instream. Further, some new water supplies, such as recycled water, can be treated to a wide range of purities that can be matched to different uses. The use of other water sources, like recycled water, can serve as a new source of water that substitutes for uses not requiring potable water quality. Instream uses are directly influenced by discharges from wastewater treatment and stormwater flows and these source discharges can provide benefits and challenges to uses such as aquatic life and recreation.

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Modeling Cost, Energy, and Total Organic Carbon Trade-Offs for Stormwater Spreading Basin Systems Receiving Recycled Water Produced Using Membrane-Based, Ozone-Based, and Hybrid Advanced Treatment Trains

American Chemical Society (ACS) | January 31st, 2019

Summary

To address water scarcity, cities are pursuing options for augmenting groundwater recharge with recycled water. Ozone-based treatment trains comprising ozone and biologic

To address water scarcity, cities are pursuing options for augmenting groundwater recharge with recycled water. Ozone-based treatment trains comprising ozone and biologically activated carbon potentially offer cost-effective alternatives to membrane-based treatment, the standard process for potable reuse in numerous countries. However, regulations in multiple states effectively limit the extent to which ozone-based treatment alone can produce recycled water for groundwater recharge. To investigate the trade-offs between treatment costs and regulatory constraints, this study presents methods for modeling and optimizing designs for (1) producing recycled water using membrane-based treatment, ozone-based treatment, and hybrid treatment trains comprising ozone-based treatment with a membrane sidestream, and (2) delivering that water to stormwater spreading basins. We present a case study of Los Angeles, CA, to demonstrate the model’s application under realistic conditions, including regulations that limit spreading recycled water based on its concentration of total organic carbon and the extent of dilution. While the membrane-based treatment train exhibits economies of scale, we demonstrate how regulatory constraints create a diseconomies of scale effect for hybrid treatment systems because larger scales necessitate a higher proportion of recycled water undergo membrane treatment. Nevertheless, relative to membrane-based treatment, we identify opportunities for ozone-based or hybrid treatment trains to reduce treatment costs and energy use by up to 62% and 59%, respectively, for systems with up to 1 m3/s (23 million gallons per day) mean water recycling rate, potentially lowering the barrier for decentralized water recycling systems. This modeling approach could inform planning and policy regarding recycled water projects for groundwater recharge through spreading basins and, with additional modification, other potable reuse applications.

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Mojave Water Agency 2004 Regional Water Management Plan

Mojave Water Agency (MWA) | December 8th, 2005

Summary

This document supplements the Urban Water Management Plan element of the Mojave Water Agency (MWA) 2004 Regional Water Management Plan (RWMP). The RWMP is the master pl

This document supplements the Urban Water Management Plan element of the Mojave Water Agency (MWA) 2004 Regional Water Management Plan (RWMP). The RWMP is the master plan for MWA water management activities through the year 2020. This update provides additional information to meet 2005 Urban Water Management Plan update requirements, especially a projection of supply and demand through at least 2025. The 2005 Urban Water Management Plan is fully described in the 2004 RWMP as updated by this supplement with supply and demand projections through 2030.

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Municipal Recycled Water (Resource Management Strategy)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 29th, 2016

Summary

California is increasing its integration of municipal recycled water into its water supply portfolio. In some regions of the state, recycled water meets approximately 7 p

California is increasing its integration of municipal recycled water into its water supply portfolio. In some regions of the state, recycled water meets approximately 7 percent of water supply demands. Although the statewide total is an increase since California Water Plan Update 2009 (Update 2009) was released, it is still far short of previously established goals. Municipal recycled water benefits the state and individual water users by reducing long-distance water conveyance needs, providing local water supplies, and being a drought-resistant resource. This resource management strategy report will describe the current status of recycled water in California, what some of the challenges are to its increasing use, and the resources needed to continue to increase municipal recycled water use.

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New Sources for California’s Water Supply

State of California | March 1st, 2016

Summary

The Assembly Select Committee on Water Consumption and Alternative Sources was established in February 2015 to examine the strategies California could take to improve wat

The Assembly Select Committee on Water Consumption and Alternative Sources was established in February 2015 to examine the strategies California could take to improve water conservation and expand the portfolio of water sources. Given that California rose to the challenge of conservation, the committee turned its attention to alternative water source strategies such as stormwater capture, ocean desalination and water recycling, holding specific hearings to discuss the latter two in greater detail. This report is the culmination of several hearings held across the state on issues of water use and opportunities for expanding water sources. It includes summaries of expert testimony at those hearings, including illustrative slides from their presentations, as well as a list of key findings and recommendations compiled by committee staff and approved by the Chair. These findings and recommendations were not voted on by members of the Select Committee and may not reflect the view of each Select Committee member. This report is meant to provide knowledge regarding California’s drought, climate change future, and viability of water sourcing strategies including stormwater capture, water recycling and desalination. This knowledge will be essential in adapting California’s water infrastructure to climate changes and devising the most effective and environmentally friendly approach to endure the next California drought.

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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Policy: Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | June 19th, 2012

Summary

The purpose of this Policy is to allow the continued use of OWTS, while protecting water quality and public health. This Policy recognizes that responsible local agencies

The purpose of this Policy is to allow the continued use of OWTS, while protecting water quality and public health. This Policy recognizes that responsible local agencies can provide the most effective means to manage OWTS on a routine basis. Therefore as an important element, it is the intent of this policy to efficiently utilize and improve upon where necessary existing local programs through coordination between the State and local agencies. To accomplish this purpose, this Policy establishes a statewide, risk-based, tiered approach for the regulation and management of OWTS installations and replacements and sets the level of performance and protection expected from OWTS. In particular, the Policy requires actions for water bodies specifically identified as part this Policy where OWTS contribute to water quality degradation that adversely affect beneficial uses. This Policy only authorizes subsurface disposal of domestic strength, and in limited instances high strength, wastewater and establishes minimum requirements for the permitting, monitoring, and operation of OWTS for protecting beneficial uses of waters of the State and preventing or correcting conditions of pollution and nuisance. And finally, this Policy also conditionally waives the requirement for owners of OWTS to apply for and receive Waste Discharge Requirements in order to operate their systems when they meet the conditions set forth in the Policy. Nothing in this Policy supersedes or requires modification of Total Maximum Daily Loads or Basin Plan prohibitions of discharges from OWTS. This Policy also applies to OWTS on federal, state, and Tribal lands to the extent authorized by law or agreement.

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Overview of Greywater Reuse: The Potential of Greywater Systems to Aid Sustainable Water Management

Pacific Institute | November 18th, 2010

Summary

As pressures on freshwater resources grow around the world and as new sources of supply become increasingly scarce, expensive, or politically controversial, efforts are u

As pressures on freshwater resources grow around the world and as new sources of supply become increasingly scarce, expensive, or politically controversial, efforts are underway to identify new ways of meeting water needs by expanding the usefulness of alternative sources of water previously considered unusable. Greywater reuse is one such strategy. Greywater is the relatively high-quality wastewater generated from household uses like bathing and washing clothes. When reused either onsite or nearby, greywater has the potential to reduce the demand for new water supply, reduce the energy and carbon footprint of water services, and meet a wide range of social and economic needs. In particular, the reuse of greywater can help reduce demand for more costly high-quality potable water. The 2010 report Overview of Greywater Reuse: the Potential of Greywater Systems to Aid Sustainable Water Management analyzes how, as a key strategy that reduces demand, greywater reuse can improve the resilience of water systems to the impacts of climate change. It also serves as a relatively secure or drought-resistant source of water supply because presumably greywater generated from showers and washing machines will continue, if at a reduced rate. And in helping displace demand for water, greywater reuse can help reduce conflicts over water and reduce the demand for new water supply projects as a result of climate change. The research shows that when the systems are designed and implemented properly, possible public health concerns with using different water qualities can be addressed. As greywater reuse becomes more widely adopted, regulations can be put in place to ensure that water quality is appropriately matched to water need. This paper provides a broad overview of the state of greywater implementation and policy, with a special emphasis on the Middle East. It examines the potential of greywater to reduce the water and energy intensity of water uses, and it analyzes key issues that must be addressed for greywater to be accepted, and implemented, at larger scales.

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Policy for Water Quality Control for Recycled Water (Recycled Water Policy)

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | June 21st, 2013

Summary

The purpose of this Policy is to increase the use of recycled water from municipal wastewater sources that meets the definition in Water Code section 13050(n), in a manne

The purpose of this Policy is to increase the use of recycled water from municipal wastewater sources that meets the definition in Water Code section 13050(n), in a manner that implements state and federal water quality laws. The State Water Board expects to develop additional policies to encourage the use of stormwater, encourage water conservation, encourage the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, and improve the use of local water supplies. When used in compliance with this Policy, Title 22 and all applicable state and federal water quality laws, the State Water Board finds that recycled water is safe for approved uses, and strongly supports recycled water as a safe alternative to potable water for such approved uses.

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Type

Best Management Practice (2)
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magazine (5)
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Policy (4)
Policy Brief (2)
Report (17)
Research Article (1)
White Paper (1)

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Agriculture (3)
Climate Change (5)
Desalination (4)
Drinking Water (10)
Ecosystem & Species Management (2)
Estuary News (5)
Federal Water Quality (2)
Flood Management (2)
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Geochemistry (1)
Groundwater (5)
Infrastructure (8)
Integrated Regional Water Management (5)
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Recycled Water (32)
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (5)
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Storage (2)
Stormwater (8)
Uncategorized (1)
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Water Quality (24)
Water Quality Monitoring (4)
Water Rights, Water Law (1)
Water Supply (14)
Water Use & Efficiency (25)

Keywords

adjudicated basins (1)
agricultural drainage (1)
agriculture (1)
agriculture water use and efficiency (4)
best management practices (BMPs) (1)
California Water Plan (2)
Central Valley (1)
climate change (6)
Colorado River (1)
conjunctive use (1)
desalination (4)
direct potable reuse (9)
disadvantaged communities (DACs) (2)
drinking water (4)
drought (2)
economic analysis (3)
ecosystem management (1)
Estuary News (5)
flows (1)
funding (2)
Groundwater Exchange (4)
groundwater recharge (2)
groundwater-surface water interaction (1)
habitat restoration (3)
infrastructure (8)
Integrated Regional Water Management (4)
invasive species (1)
irrigation (2)
land use (2)
managed aquifer recharge (MAR) - also see Groundwater Recharge (1)
modeling (2)
monitoring (2)
nitrates (1)
outreach and engagement (1)
pesticides (2)
planning and management (9)
pollutants (3)
reasonable use doctrine (1)
recycled water (62)
Regional Water Quality Control Plan (1)
risk assessment (1)
Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (5)
salinity (3)
science management (3)
sediment (2)
storage (2)
stormwater (10)
subsidence (1)
urban water conservation (21)
wastewater (17)
water and energy (3)
water quality (17)
water rights (1)
water supply (9)
water transfers (1)
water use efficiency (8)

Publisher

American Chemical Society (ACS) (3)
American Geophysical Union (AGU) (1)
American Water Resources Association (AWRA) (1)
California Department of Water Resources (DWR) (3)
California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) (8)
California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) (1)
Clean Water (1)
Congressional Research Service (CRS) (1)
Environmental Research Communications (IOP) (1)
International Water Association (IWA) Publishing (1)
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) (2)
Mojave Water Agency (MWA) (1)
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) (1)
Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) (5)
Pacific Institute (6)
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) (1)
Resources, Conservation & Recycling (Elsevier) (1)
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (1)
San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) (5)
Scientific American (1)
Second Appellate District, Court of Appeal of the State of California (1)
Southern California Salinity Coalition (1)
State of California (1)
Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (Taylor & Francis) (1)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2)
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United Nations (UN) (1)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (2)
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Water Research (1)
Water Research Foundation (1)
Water Research Foundation (WRF) (1)
Water Research, Elsevier (1)
Water, Multidisciplinary Publishing Institute (MDPI) (1)

Basin

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