The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report -  2015 

MEASUREMENTS  - Data last updated on: 

Click on a Region in the Map below, to see 2009 Recycled Water Use for that Region (Thousand Acre-Feet per Year).

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

By comparing the use of recycled water by Regional Board we see that the type of use is closely linked to the type of land use. The 2009 survey data shows that, for instance, in the Los Angeles region (R4), recycled water use is characterized by urban use and indirect potable reuse, while in rural areas like Fresno (R5F), recycled water is primarily used for agricultural irrigation. Compared to the 2001 survey data, agricultural irrigation use has increased by approximately 2% while urban uses and indirect potable uses has seen a growth of 50% and 72% respectively.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

The Strategic Plan Update 2008-2012 for the Water Boards includes a priority to increase sustainable local water supplies available for meeting existing and future beneficial uses by 1,725,000 acre-feet per year, in excess of 2002 levels, by 2015, and ensure adequate water flows for fish and wildlife habitat. This Recycled Water Policy (Policy) is intended to support the Strategic Plan priority to Promote Sustainable Local Water Supplies. Increasing the acceptance and promoting the use of recycled water is a means towards achieving sustainable local water supplies and can result in reduction in greenhouse gases, a significant driver of climate change. The Policy is also intended to encourage beneficial use of, rather than solely disposal of, recycled water. The mission of the Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) is to promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater (water recycling) in order to augment fresh water supplies in California by providing technical and financial assistance to agencies and other stakeholders in support of water recycling projects and research.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: 1970, 1977, 1987, 2001 and 2009 Municipal Wastewater Recycling Survey Results.  For 2009 survey: Period January , 2001 to December  31, 2001.
• Unit of Measure:Amount of Water Recycled in Acre-Feet/year.
• References:
  • More information on the Water Boards’ Water Recycling programs.
  • 1970, 1977 and 1987 survey results.
  • 2009 Survey results.
  • Public reports and data.
    

GLOSSARY

Recycled Water

Recycled water means water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is therefore considered a valuable resource. (Water Code § 13050(n)).

Acre-Foot

It is defined by the volume of one acre of surface area to a depth of one foot. Since the acre is defined as a chain by a furlong (66 ft × 660 ft) the acre-foot is exactly 43,560 cubic feet. One acre-foot is taken to be the planned water usage of a suburban family household, annually.

Indirect Potable Reuse

The planned incorporation of recycled water into a raw water supply such as in potable water storage reservoirs or a groundwater aquifer, resulting in mixing and assimilation, thus providing an environmental buffer.

Urban Uses

Includes Golf Course Irrigation, Landscape Irrigation and Commercial and Industrial Uses.

Other Uses

Includes Geothermal Energy Production, Recreational Impoundment, Natural Systems Restoration, Surface Water Augmentation and all Other Uses.

( Page last updated:  5/16/16 )