What are wastewater recycling and potable reuse?


According to the WateReuse Association, Recycled Water generally refers to treated domestic wastewater that is used more than once before it passes back into the water cycle. The terms “reused” and “recycled” are often used interchangeably depending on where you are geographically.

Potable Reuse refers to recycled water you can drink. The reclaimed water is purified sufficiently to meet or exceed federal and state drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption through a process that involves various micro-filtration, reverse osmosis, ultra-violet and disinfectant treatment methods. In some cases, there are additional pre-treatment steps used before the physical filtration process.

 

Potable Reuse Process: Pure Water San Diego

Join the City of San Diego's Pure Water team on a virtual tour of the one-million gallon per day Pure Water Demonstration Facility.

Potable Reuse Process: OCWD Groundwater Replenishment System

Stage 1 - Microfiltration

 

Stage 2 - Reverse Osmosis

 

Stage 3 - Ultraviolet Lights and Hydrogen Peroxide