California Approves 'Toilet-to-Tap' System to Recycle Wastewater
California officials have approved new regulations that allow water agencies to recycle treated sewage and pump it back into homes as a solution for the state's water shortage.
California Approves 'Toilet-to-Tap' System
California has approved new regulations that will allow water agencies in the state to implement a 'toilet-to-tap' system. This system involves taking treated wastewater from homes, recycling it, and pumping it back into households. The goal is to address California's dwindling water supply, especially during drought periods.
Darrin Polhemus, director of the Division of Drinking Water and the State Water Resources Control Board, stated that the water delivered through this system will be of the highest quality in the state. Consumers may have some concerns, but officials assure that the wastewater undergoes three rigorous stages of treatment to ensure its safety. In fact, minerals need to be added back to enhance the taste of the water after thorough pathogen and virus removal.
The approval of the 'toilet-to-tap' system in California comes as the state aims to find renewable and reliable water sources. While the water produced through this system may be more expensive than imported water, it offers a more sustainable supply. California becomes the second state, following Colorado, to allow this process.
Recycled Water for Drinking
Although California has been using recycled water for agricultural purposes and irrigation for years, this new system will be the first time the technology is employed directly for drinking water. Experts have emphasized that the treated water will be completely safe for consumption.
California cities such as San Diego and Silicon Valley/Bay Area, which have the necessary funding, will be among the first to transition to this system. Given the cost and time required to build treatment facilities, larger cities will take the lead in implementing this technology. San Diego aims to have nearly half of its water supply coming from recycled water by 2035.
"Drought happens all the time, and with climate change, it will only get worse," said Kirsten Struve with the Santa Clara Valley Water District. "This is a drought-resistant supply that we will need in the future to meet the demands of our communities."
