Does the MS4 permit authorize the discharge of reclaimed water to surface waters?
The MS4 permit does 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 problems. The MS4 permit does not require the cities and county to differentiate between potable irrigation water and reclaimed irrigation water that has been treated and used in accordance with proper regulations. The use and distribution of reclaimed water, however, is subject to another set of waste discharge requirements, which is enforced on the purveyor. Purveyors of reclaimed water must require users to use BMPs, including timely repair and proper system design, that eliminate excess runoff.
