Do MS4 permits authorize the discharge of reclaimed water to surface waters?
The MS4 permits do not authorize a direct discharge of reclaimed water to surface waters. Based on federal regulations, however, discharges from irrigation or lawn watering are not prohibited by the MS4 permit unless the cities or county determine they are causing a problem. The MS4 permit does not require municipalities to differentiate between potable irrigation water and reclaimed irrigation water. The use and distribution of reclaimed irrigation water, however, is regulated by a separate permit, which is issued to the reclaimed water purveyor. Purveyors must require users to implement best management practices to reduce or eliminate runoff.
