PUB00124 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LEGISLATION Like all water supplies in California, recycled water must adhere to laws designating quality and use. The first legislation addressing water reuse was passed in 1896 to regulate wastewater used on specific crops. Since 1928, ail water uses in the state (including recycled water use) are required to be reasonable and beneficial under the California Constitution, Article X, Section 2. Beneficial uses of water include irrigation, urban and industrial uses, and fish, wildlife and habitat needs. Whether a beneficial use is "reasonable" depends on the particular circumstance. Under certain conditions, using potable water for non-potable applications is ruled a waste and unreasonable use if recycled water is available (California Water Code sections 13550- 13553). Effluent discharges to surface water from wastewater treatment plants (known as pOint source discharges) are regulated under both federal and state laws 10 protect the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation's waters. The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that wastewater trom publicly owned treatment plants be treated to secondary standards before being discharged into waterways. Since 1972, RECYCLING AGENCIES U.S. Bureau 01 Reclamation The Bureau currently provides grants 01 up to 25 percent of design and construction cost (not exceeding $20 million alter 1996) and 50 percent lor planning of local recycling projects authorized under its Title 16 program. It also works with local agencies to develop recycling feasibility studies and pre-construc- tion activities. Calilornla Department 01 Health Service DHS establishes public health criteria for recycled water treatment and use. Calilornia Department 01 Water Resources DWR provides technical and financial resources to regional water recycling programs and demonstration projects. DWR also participates in regional efforts to investi- gate the leasibility of future water recycling projects. :. 1: f'f../''';. . ;l~t;' >"1' State Water Resources Control Board State Board regulates and permits, along with the nine regional water quality control boards, the state's surface water and groundwater quality and allocated water rights lor surface waters. The State Board also administers the State Revolving Fund Loan Program and Water Recycling Loan Program to provide low-interest loans for wastewater recycling facilities and the Water Recycling Facilities Planning Grant Program. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA enforces laws that protect natural resources, including water, land and aiL I! sets standards for use of biosolids to protect human health and the environment. WateReuse Association of Calilornla An organization of public and private agen- cies and water industry professionals involved in water recycling. Tille 22 sels discharge standards for reclaimed a.'ater and its reuse, as well as require the dcvelopmem and enforcement afwater treatment sllllldards. 7