What is Recycled Water?
Water recycling is a generic term for water reclamation and reuse, where the resulting water is referred to as recycled water. This term will be used throughout this document, but you might also find a number of other terms used in the water industry. These include: • Water reclamation • Water recycling • Water reuse • Wastewater • Sewage effluent • Reclaimed water • Grey water For more detailed defintions see glossary Water recycling can include: • Recycling of wastewater from previous uses. This generally means the reclamation of water from domestic sewage effluent or municipal wastewater. These waters may be recycled from bathroom and laundry effluents (grey water), from the entire domestic sewage stream (black water) or from municipal wastewater • Recycling of water from agricultural and industry wastewater. Recycled water can be either or both of the above waters.
The California Water Code defines recycled water as “water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur.” Water recycling allows water managers to match water quality to specific reuse applications. This reduces the amount of fresh water required for non-potable uses, ensuring that the best and purest sources of water will be reserved for the highest use – public drinking water.
Recycled water is the product of a 3-stage treatment process in which municipal wastewater is settled, biologically oxidized, clarified, chemically coagulated, filtered and disinfected. The resulting water is clear and colorless. Although recycled water may have a slight chlorine smell, to the human eye it is indistinguishable from tap water.
Related Questions
- Is there a concern that groundwater supplies could be adversely affected by the use of recycled water for landscape and agricultural irrigation?
- How can I tell if the water I see irrigating parks and other outdoor spaces is drinking water or recycled water?
- What is the water pressure of Class A+ recycled water? Is it as good as the normal drinking water supply?
