Recycled / Nonpotable Water

The Coachella Valley Water District recycles more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater each year, subjecting it to an advanced multi-step process that filters out solids, organic materials, chemicals and germs. At 3 of the district’s 5 wastewater reclamation plants, the treated water is clean enough for human contact, groundwater replenishment or outdoor irrigation.

Recycled water is a safe alternative when the guidelines are followed and it is used for its intended purpose. Recycled water must meet strict water quality standards outlined in Title 22, Chapter 3, Division 4 of the California Code of Regulations. In order to make sure that CVWD's reclamation plants are meeting Title 22 standards, every day a recycled water sample is collected and analyzed for total coliform bacteria. Also, chlorine residual, modal contact time, and turbidity are continuously monitored.

Increasing the supply and use of recycled water is a key component of CVWD’s long-range water management plans.