|
Southern California Water Reclamation and Reuse Study Program Overview In 1993, the Department of Water Resources, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and seven Southern California water agencies, undertook a study to evaluate the feasibility of a regional water recycling plan. The study grew out of the realization that the increasing demands and limited supplies of fresh water in Southern California make it necessary that, to ensure reliability, supplies must be diversified. One of the most dependable, abundant, and underutilized supplies of water in the region is recycled water--wastewater originating from municipal, industrial, or agricultural activities that has been treated to a quality suitable for beneficial reuse. Among the potential reuses are irrigation, industrial processes, groundwater recharge, groundwater injection to prevent sea water intrusion, and environmental enhancement. Conduct of Study The study sought to define regional water needs and match needs with resources, including methods for conveying the water. The overall goal was to identify opportunities and constraints for maximizing water reuse in Southern California. To conduct the study, both a short range (to year 2010) recycled water implementation plan and a long range (to 2040) implementation plan were to be developed. The study was to be carried out in two phases. Phase I, which was completed in April 1998, looked at the current status of water recycling in Southern California. Data on both availability and demand for recycled water were collected and tools for assessing the data were developed. The need for additional use of recycled water was determined by analyzing the total supply and demand. In Phase II, the database from Phase I was updated and recycling strategies for 2010 and 2040 were developed. For this phase, the study area was divided into four geographic regions: Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego. A Project Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from Southern California water and wastewater agencies, was named for each region. A total of 34 projects were identified for additional analysis. A draft of the report has been submitted to USBR for review. |
|
For further information, contact: Chang Lee |
|
Copyright © 1998. California Department of Water Resources. All rights reserved. |