Use of Recycled Water for Irrigation in California.

The collapse of the Bay-Delta ecosystem, climate change, and continuing population growth have combined with a severe drought on the Colorado River to create a new reality that challenges California’s ability to provide the clean water needed for a healthy environment, a healthy population and a healthy economy, both now and in  the future.  These challenges also present an unparalleled opportunity for California to move aggressively towards a sustainable water future.  The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted a statewide Recycle Water Policy (Policy) in February 2009 and a General Order for Landscape Irrigation Uses of Municipal Recycled Water in July 2009 to help meet California’s water supply challenges.  The Policy sets forth ambitious mandates and goals to increase the supply and use of Recycled Water by 2020 and 2030 while ensuring public health and the environment are protected.  The State Water Board and California Department of Public Health have worked together to ensure that recycled water is used in a manner protective of public health.  California has adopted regulations and criteria for various uses of recycled water, including agricultural irrigation.  The Policy requires the development of salt and nutrient management plans to control the accumulation of salts and nutrients in all of the State’s groundwater basins.  Constituents/chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) pose a unique challenge to the expanded use of recycled water.  Due to limited scientific knowledge about CECs sources, fates, and effects, the Policy required the establishment of an expert panel to review the science of CECs and to make specific recommendation.  The State Water Board contracted with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project to convene a panel of six experts to provide recommendations to the SWRCB.  A draft report was released on April 15, 2010.