EBMUD’s mission is to reliably provide water of the highest possible quality to its 1.35 million East Bay customers. EBMUD’s primary source, the Mokelumne River, meets East Bay needs in many years, but can’t fully meet residential and business needs in up to 30% of the years due to insufficient rain and snowfall. And in a prolonged, severe drought EBMUD forecasts supply shortfalls that can cause up to 65% rationing. EBMUD is using water recycling as one way to help reduce the need for additional potable water supplies and the severity of water rationing during droughts.

In California, recycled water is used for landscape and agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, wetlands restoration and streamflow augmentation, and toilet flushing in commercial buildings. Water recycling is part of EBMUD’s water supply portfolio, as any demand met with recycled or non-potable water reduces the demand for high-quality potable water.

EBMUD uses recycled water and untreated water from local reservoirs as sources of non-potable water. Recycled water is wastewater that has been highly treated and disinfected to meet stringent and protective standards set by the California Department of Public Health. Recycled water is not a drinking water supply, but there are many appropriate uses for recycled water.

Recycled water use delays or eliminates the need for more potable water facilities, reduces the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the San Francisco Bay, and increases water supply reliability during a drought.

EBMUD has been using recycled water for various industrial uses and to irrigate the landscaping at the District’s Main Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oakland since 1971. The landscaping includes turf and a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, which are flourishing.

For tours and information on EBMUD's recycled water projects, please email