The Santa Rosa Regional Water Reuse System is a National Leader in Water Reuse

Diverse and Innovative Uses Make for a Unique and Flexible Approach
 

What is Recycled Water? 

Recycled water is wastewater that has gone through multiple levels of disinfection and treatment to remove pollutants, solids, and eliminate pathogens. This high quality recycled water contains essential nutrients that are safe for the irrigation of crops that are eaten raw, vineyards, playgrounds, golf courses, parks, cemeteries, freeway embankments, and street medians. Read more about the nutrients found in recycled water. 

Recycled water is also frequently used in industrial processes, decorative fountains, fire suppression systems and much more. This water comes from sewage which is created when we use indoor drains; showers, toilets, sinks, dishwasher and washing machines.

Recycled Water is Safe

The recycled water in Santa Rosa is treated to California State Water Board Division of Drinking Water standards and is monitored by state, local and federal agencies. The result is clean and safe water that can be used for irrigation, industry and agriculture (but not for drinking). For more information about the Division of Drinking Water's Recycled Water Statues and Regulations, click here.

Recycled Water Safety & COVID-19

Studies in the past have shown that wastewater treatment processes deactivate viruses, so they don’t end up in recycled water. Recently, sanitation experts determined that existing treatment plant processes successfully disinfect wastewater containing the COVID-19 virus. In fact, the US EPA has determined that standard treatment and disinfection processes are particularly effective against COVID 19.

In Santa Rosa, wastewater goes through four stringent treatment and disinfection steps. This results in high quality recycled water that is safe for irrigation of landscapes, pasture, agricultural crops, vegetable crops that are eaten raw, industrial processes, and many more non-drinking purposes.

Santa Rosa is committed to maintaining high quality recycled water for our customers. To make sure that our recycled water meets or exceeds all federal and state regulations, staff regularly tests and monitors recycled water and reports to regulators, to ensure it is safe for public health and the environment. 

The California State Water Resources Control Board has issued a Fact Sheet with more information about recycled water and COVID-19.

For questions about Santa Rosa’s recycled water, please email Teresa Gudino at [email protected] or Colin Close at [email protected].

Where is it Used?

Santa Rosa has been using recycled water for over 40 years. In one of the largest recycled water systems in the world, about 98% of the City’s tertiary-treated recycled water is used to irrigate approximately 6,400 acres of agricultural lands and public and private urban landscaping, and for the Geysers Recharge Project to generate electricity.

Future of Recycled Water in Santa Rosa

Due in part to the City's success in reducing drinking water demands and the water conservation practices, the City has determined that it is not cost effective to expand the recycled water distribution system. However, the City continues to evaluate other potentially more cost-effective water supply sources for future water supply needs.