Recycled Water
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following documents provide additional information about recycled water.
