About Recycled Water

In California, recycled water is used for landscape and agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, wetlands restoration and streamflow augmentation, and toilet flushing in dual-plumbed 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 drinking 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's customers in 2011 used more than 7.7 million gallons per day (mgd) of recycled water. EBMUD's 2040 goal is to recycle a total of 20 mgd of water, bringing the total recycled water use to nearly 7.3 billion gallons annually. That amount would save enough water to supply the indoor and outdoor water needs of an estimated 150,000 EBMUD residents per day, based on current consumption data.

EBMUD has been using recycled water for various industrial purposes 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 information on EBMUD's recycled water projects, please email reuseh2o@ebmud.com or contact Lori Steere at (510) 287-1631.

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