Water Quality FAQ

Is recycled water safe?
Yes, the tertiary disinfected recycled water (Title 22) produced by West Basin is approved by various state and federal government agencies as safe for use in a large number of applications such as irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing and snow making, but NOT DRINKING. State of California Department of Public Health inspection assures that recycled water is not ingested by humans.  Although no serious illness has ever been attributed to recycled water being accidentally ingested, every precaution is taken to prevent this from occurring.

What is the difference between recycled water and reclaimed water?
Nothing. The terms can be used interchangeably.

Can recycled water be used for residential irrigation?
Yes and no. While there is nothing that would prevent recycled water from being used safely at residential sites, the cost to construct pipes for residential use, retrofit the site, and assure training and compliance according to the regulations make it infeasible to convert these sites at the present time. In some locations, developments with Home Owner’s Associations have been converted to recycled water use. Converting to recycled water is more cost-effective for a large site that is being managed by landscape professionals.