Is Recycled Water Safe?
Yes, recycled water is safe. To ensure a consistent level of safety, recycled water is continually regulated, monitored and tested by the Laguna Environmental Laboratory, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Department of Public Health. This ensures water quality that far exceeds its intended use. In thousands of applications throughout the U.S., there has never been a documented illness from recycled water use. Consistent inspections and strict regulations are also in place to ensure that the drinking and recycled water systems remain separate. Nature has recycled water for millions of years. By duplicating much of nature’s process, it is now possible for us to purify water to a level that is beyond our drinking water standards.

The safety of recycled water is explored in-depth in "Recycled Water: Putting the Risk into Perspective," The research team analyzed and explored the potential exposure risk pharmaceuticals and personal care products in every day life compared to exposure from using recycled water for approved purposes, such as landscape and agricultural irrigation.

Water Reuse 101

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1. What is recycled water?
2. Where does recycled water come from?
3. What kind of water will the Water Reuse Plant produce?
4. Is Recycled Water Safe?
5. How is recycled water made?
6. Where is Santa Rosa Regional Reuse System’s recycled water currently used?
7. With an expanded reuse program, how else will recycled water be used?
8. Why is water recycling important?
9. Will the recycled water be safe for children playing in parks?
10. Is recycled water safe to drink?
11. Who develops the health standards for recycled water?
12. Is the use of recycled water mandatory?
13. Could recycled water get mixed with Santa Rosa’s drinking water?
14. How will I know if the water I see irrigating parks and other outdoor spaces is drinking water or recycled water?
15. What kind of technical support can recycled water customers expect?