Making PureWater
In a previous edition of the Downstream Newsletter, we ran an article about the hot topic of water recycling and reuse. It covered our purple pipe system, and the potential for indirect and direct potable reuse( DPR). These are approaches to purifying wastewater and using it to enhance the local drinking water supply. In 2010, the Department of Public Health was given a mandate to evaluate potential regulations for DPR by 2016. Wastewater agencies and regulators from around California are working to create a uniform regulatory structure and safety protocols that will let us purify new drinking water locally.
Above is a map to give perspective on our current water supply. The shaded regions are all the streams and rivers in the Colorado River and Sacramento / San Joaquin Watersheds- where over 80 % of our drinking water comes from. The turquoise pins are the active wastewater and stormwater permit holders who discharge into those rivers before we get our drinking water. What happens in Vegas doesn’ t stay in Vegas. Water exists in a natural cycle, and water reuse technology like DPR can add a new and safe local water supply for our semi-arid region.
Sacramento River- 19 % of All San Diego’ s Water
Population Served: 25 Million People Rain and Snow Water: 22 Million Acre-Feet / year Wastewater Effluent: 843,900 Acre-Feet / year Pollution / Overflow / Storm Water Permits Issued: 4,800
Colorado River- 64 % of All San Diego’ s Water
Population Served: 33 Million People Rain and Snow Water: 16 Million Acre-Feet / year Wastewater Effluent( CA only): 49,850 Acre-Feet / year Pollution / Overflow / Storm Water Permits Issued: 3,000
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