State Water Board Releases DPR Report

The State Water Resources Control Board on Sept. 8 released its draft report to the Legislature on the feasibility of developing regulations for the direct potable reuse of recycled water.

After reviewing the recommendations of an Expert Panel and Advisory Group, formed as part of legislation that directed the State Water Board to investigate the feasibility of creating regulations for direct potable reuse (DPR), the State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water has concluded it is feasible to begin the process of developing regulations. DPR regulations can be adopted provided that certain research and key knowledge gaps are addressed.

No other state has yet developed regulations specifically for DPR. The draft report is available now for comment under a 45-day public review period before finalization and presentation to the state Legislature by Dec. 31, 2016.

In the draft report, the Division of Drinking Water agrees with the expert panel that regulations for the direct potable reuse of recycled water are attainable. The Division of Drinking Water believes that knowledge gaps and needed research remain to assure adequate public health protection.