The Washington Department of Ecology has finalized regulations to allow the use of recycled water for non-potable applications such as irrigating crops and controlling dust. The updated regulations represent more than a decade of work to expand the uses of recycled water.[1]
“Reclaiming water can help Washington communities prepare for and recover from droughts,” said Ecology Direct Maia Bellon in a public release document. “By expanding options for reclaimed water use, we can help Washington communities use the right water for the right use.”[2]
The state Legislature had directed the Department of Ecology in 2006 to create rules that were designed to encourage more water recycling as a method to increase supply. For more than 10 years, the adoption of more incentivized regulations were halted for fears that recycling would affect the complex state of water rights. By passing this legislation, all reclaimed water projects will have to undergo a rigorous examination to determine if the project will affect the water rights of downstream users.[3]
The new regulation will become effective on Feb 23, 2018. For more information click here.
[1] Jenkins, Don. Washington Ecology adopts rules for recycling water. January 25, 2018. Web. http://www.capitalpress.com/Washington/20180125/washington-ecology-adopts-rules-for-recycling-water
[2] Jenkins. Washington Ecology adopts rules for recycling water. http://www.capitalpress.com/Washington/20180125/washington-ecology-adopts-rules-for-recycling-water
[3] Jenkins. Washington Ecology adopts rules for recycling water. http://www.capitalpress.com/Washington/20180125/washington-ecology-adopts-rules-for-recycling-water