About Recycled Water Reuse Sites

Fresh water is a limited resource, especially in California. One way to make our fresh water supply last longer is by recycling wastewater so that it can be used again. Recycled water, sometimes called reclaimed water or wastewater reuse, must be held to high standards to keep our water safe, eliminate the spread of infectious disease, and protect public health while helping us to conserve our fresh water supplies.

Recycled water reuse sites are places that use recycled water. These sites must be carefully designed and approved by local government before they can begin to use recycled water.

Rainwater collection and storm runoff water can also be collected and used for residential landscaping. Public Health has developed requirements for collecting and using stormwater.

Recycled water is limited to uses that are approved by the California Department of Public Health, the Regional Water Quality Control Board – Los Angeles Division, and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. The main use of recycled water in Los Angeles County is for watering large landscapes. Recycled water is not allowed to be used as drinking water.

The Cross Connection & Water Pollution Control Program of Environmental Health is responsible for the oversight of recycled water re-use sites from the planning stage through final approval. We work to convert new and existing large landscape irrigation systems and certain industrial facilities to recycled water. The Program ensures that all projects use water quality criteria and follow all health laws related to recycled water. This responsibility extends to consultation with project managers and engineering staff regarding plan check; attending construction meetings; conducting on-site field reviews; and granting the final approval for the safe use of recycled water.

For questions call the Cross Connection & Water Pollution Control Program at 626-430-5290.

Report a Problem

Call the Cross Connections Program at 626-430-5290 or call the Environmental Health Call Center at 888-700-9995.

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