In a bid to tackle California's perpetual drought problems, state water officials have unveiled a somewhat unconventional solution: transforming sewage water into drinking water. The proposed new rules, mandated by state law, would require wastewater to undergo extensive processing and testing before it can be piped to taps or integrated with raw water, according to Mercury News.
This is not the first instance of recycled water being utilized to combat drought, as Californians have been using recycled water for over 60 years to supplement scarce supplies. However, current regulations need the water to stop in a reservoir or aquifer before making it to the taps. Eventually, the treated wastewater will undergo the same treatment as regular drinking water, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
While this might sound alarming, the process ensures the water is purified, including removing chemicals and pathogens remaining in the sewage after traditional treatment. The extensive treatment and monitoring make the water costly. However, it provides a more dependable supply for California, an essential factor as the state struggles with climate change-induced droughts, according to LAist.
The draft rules, released on July 21st, 2023, are expected to go into effect next April, although they still face public comment, hearings, and peer review from a panel of experts. The State Water Resources Control Board needs to vote on these rules by the end of December. Most treated wastewater, which amounts to about 400 million gallons per day in Los Angeles County, is currently being released into rivers, streams, and the deep ocean.
Daniel McCurry, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California, said, "I would have no hesitation drinking this water my whole life," as reported by Mercury News.
As the climate crisis continues to affect California's water resources, the recycling of wastewater is seen as an increasingly viable option. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom called for a 9% increase in recycled water use by 2030 and a 100% increase by 2040. Reusing wastewater for drinking purposes may initially seem unpalatable, but California's wastewater recycling project promises a sustainable and secure water supply amidst the climate emergency.
