JCSD Recycled Water Project

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Recycled Water

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warning sign that reads - irrigated with recycled water do not drink

Recycled water (also called reclaimed water) is treated wastewater that is safe to use to irrigate landscaping, certain crops, parks, schools, golf courses, and for various commercial and industrial uses. The purple pipe system is a safe way to reuse our most precious resource – water. It also protects our water supply against drought.

click to download and print the recycled water community flyer

Purple-colored pipes are used to transport recycled water to avoid potential cross connection with drinking water pipes. Strict federal and state regulations ensure that recycled water is treated and monitored to meet all public health and safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions header   Creates a valuable water resource - converts wastewater into recycled water making a new water source

 

What is recycled water?

Recycled water is treated wastewater that is safe for irrigation. It is not used for drinking water but instead transported through purple-colored pipes to select locations for limited uses. The use of purple pipes is used throughout communities to avoid potential cross connection to drinking water pipes. Recycled water is strictly federally, state, and locally regulated and monitored to meet all public health and safety guidelines.

What will recycled water be used for?

Similar to other communities, JCSD’s recycled water will be used to irrigate landscaping and grass areas at our local parks, schools, and greenbelts, as well as for landscaping areas at business and along roadway frontages and medium areas that are along the proposed pipeline alignments.

Is recycled water safe for landscaping?

Yes! Recycled water is permitted to be used for a wide range of applications, including landscape irrigation. As a responsible supplier of recycled water, JCSD will provide only highly treated, filtered, and disinfected water that meets all federal, state, and local regulations for use on parks, schools, landscape areas, golf courses, and as well as other commercial and industrial uses.

Provides a reliable water supply - rain or shine, there will always be recycled water

Does recycled water come through the same pipes as drinking water?

No. The pipes distributing recycled water are a purple color and are a separate system from pipes distributing drinking water. The purple color pipe is nationally recognized as recycled water to avoid potential cross connection to drinking water pipes. Many studies have been conducted on recycled water. To date, no health-related problems have been traced to any of the water recycling projects currently operating in California.

Does recycled water help conserve water?

Yes. The use of recycled water for irrigation lessens the demand for drinking water, which reduces the amount of water being drawn from the local aquifer. Lessening the effects of drought and ensuring an adequate water supply are extremely important. 

What are the rules and regulations for recycled water use?

There are strict Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing the production and use of recycled water. All of the laws are designed to ensure recycled water is safely used. The rules also define how recycled water can be used and what required signage is needed and where it must be displayed.

Saves drinking water for drinking - reduces the overall amount of water taken from groundwater aquifers

Can people drink recycled water?

No, JCSD’s recycled water is not safe for people to drink. “Recycled Water” signs will be posted at all points where recycled water is used.

Is recycled water available during a drought?

Yes. Recycled water is a reliable water supply source even during a drought. Even when there might be restrictions on drinking water, there are no restrictions for recycled water use.

When will recycled water begin to be distributed?

The JCSD Recycled Water Program is currently in the preliminary design phase with construction to install the purple pipeline scheduled to begin late 2023. Distribution of the recycled water is expected to begin in early 2024.

Preserves greenery at parks & schools - recycled water is not restricted during droughts

Where will this be built?

JCSD is reaching out to specific public agencies, schools, and businesses that meet the required criteria and are located near the planned distribution pipeline that could receive and use recycled water. JCSD’s staff or contractors will contact these eligible users directly to discuss the project.

Can I have recycled water delivered to my house?

We like your spirit, but for now, the answer is no. Recycled water operates on a separate system from drinking water. As a result, new pipes need to be installed to deliver the recycled water. Installing new piping to all homes would be expensive. Therefore, it makes more sense for users with the largest irrigation needs, such as parks, golf courses, and greenbelts to receive recycled water.

Where will the recycled water come from?

The recycled water is collected and treated at the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCWRA) Treatment Plant located at the southern end of the City of Eastvale. Most of JCSD’s wastewater flows to this plant, where it is already treated to meet recycled water quality regulations.

Keeps our water in our community

What is the treatment process to create recycled water?

The Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) Plant meets effluent (wastewater) and recycled water quality standards through its primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes. The Plan also has solids handling processes to thicken, digest, dewater, and dispose of solids produced from the wastewater. The processes of wastewater treatment are summarized as follows:

  1. Primary Treatment:  Wastewater flow enters the treatment facility through two force mains. Primary treatment consists of coarse screening, grit removal, flow metering, primary clarification, and flow equalization.
  2. Secondary Treatment:  After passing through the primary treatment processes, secondary treatment occurs through conventional activated sludge in two bio-reactors. The activated sludge then passes through secondary clarification, where return activated sludge is pumped back to the bio-reactors and waste activated sludge is sent to the digestion process.
  3. Tertiary Treatment:  Effluent from the secondary clarifiers enters the tertiary treatment processes. This treatment consists of a flash mix station, where a coagulant can be injected if high turbidity is detected upstream or downstream of the filters. Flow then passes through tertiary filters, flow metering, and chlorine disinfection.
  4. Recycled Water:  As part of JCSD’s proposed recycled water system, treated wastewater from the chlorine disinfection will then be delivered to the proposed recycled water storage and pumping system. This system consists of lift pumps, a storage tank, and the proposed recycled water distribution pumps.
reads - Recycled water uses the Right water the Right way

The following documents provide additional information about recycled water.

Program Documents

Where can I get more information?

Please call (951) 727-8009 for more information.