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Good For Your Lawn and Your Wallet
Drinking water, a limited and valuable resource, is wasted on lawn irrigation when "reclaimed" water is available. Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that's safe for recycling. So why irrigate with drinking water when reclaimed water will do? |
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Why Pay For More Than You Need?
You pay the price when streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources are tapped to provide drinking water in support of municipal, industrial, or agricultural use. This is because you are paying for a level of water purification needed only for drinking.
When reclaimed water is used where possible in your community:
- Drinking water sources are conserved
- Existing water treatment facilities last longer
- Construction of new water treatment facilities can be deferred
- A reliable new source of water is established
Ratepayers can save water and eventually money by using reclaimed water.
How Is Reclaimed Water Used?
Agricultural irrigation is the most common way to use reclaimed water. Bumper crops ranging from alfalfa to zucchini have been grown safely using this important water source. Because reclaimed water contains key plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, its use can reduce both water and fertilizer costs.
Reclaimed water is also used around the world to irrigate areas including residential lawns, golf courses, freeway medians, school grounds, commercial and industrial parks, cemeteries, and athletic fields.
Reclaimed water supplements lakes and streams to improve wildlife habitats; creates artificial lakes for picnicking, fishing, and boating; and is used in fountains at many commercial buildings and parks.
How Safe Is Reclaimed Water?
Reclaimed water undergoes a high level of treatment to remove bacteria and viruses from the wastewater. Extensive testing is performed to assure water quality standards are met. In the United States, for example, reclaimed water has been used safely for more than four decades. Water recycling is a safe and environmentally responsible approach to conserving our water resources.
Support Your Local Water Recycling Programs
As new supplies of fresh water become scarcer and more expensive to develop, the value of water recycling programs will continue to grow. Once the initial costs for capital facilities and distribution systems are met, the long-term results include substantial environmental and financial savings.
For more information on water recycling, contact your local wastewater treatment facility or WEF.
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