Alternatives Analysis: Reclaimed Water

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Oct 6, 2014/ 0 Comments / in Permitting Updates, Project Details, Project Updates / by
Source: Sacramento Bee

Source: Sacramento Bee

Reclaimed water or recycled water, is former wastewater (sewage) that is treated to remove solids and certain impurities. For this strategy, wastewater is collected and reclaimed through wastewater treatment plants. Then, the water is subjected to a series of treatments – first to remove large impurities, then through a secondary treatment where chemicals and organic materials are added to decompose any solids to further separate the water from waste material. In some cases, the water is then discharged to another natural water body to further disinfect the reclaimed water. If it is not released to another natural water body, further disinfecting treatments are needed within the treatment plant.

Reclaimed water is used in the United States to provide water for ornamental landscaping, artificial water features [such as golf course ponds and fountains], fire protection, dust control, concrete mixing, vehicle washing, toilets in public buildings, and cooling water in industrial plants.The graphic above shows the use of reclaimed water for irrigating landscaping of parks, schools, street medians and residential lawns.

The District worked with the City of Salem to determine if reclaimed water could be a viable alternative for a water supply. They looked at the infrastructure needed to develop the treatment facilities, the piping infrastructure from the treatment site in Salem to the District, and the cost of maintaining the system. They also looked at the cost of treating the water to a level acceptable by State of Oregon standards. The District also considered the environmental benefits of reusing water for irrigation needs. However, the cost of treating the water to state standards and the piping infrastructure needed proved to be too costly and infeasible for the District. In addition to the financial constraints, food processors have not accepted reclaimed water to irrigate food products.

As technology for reclaimed water evolves and further treatment options are developed, East Valley Water District can reconsider using reclaimed water as a supplemental source of water. However, with the current state of technology and the cost of infrastructure, using this strategy is not in the best interest of the District and its members.


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