California may have officially emerged from its 2017 drought, but debates over water management persist, even during rainy seasons. While calls for increased water storage continue, many experts argue that rethinking how water is used—rather than treating it as a single-use resource—could provide a more sustainable solution.
A Water Battleground in Northern and Central California
A significant portion of Northern and Central California’s freshwater flows toward the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where competing demands make water distribution a contentious issue. State Sen. Jerry McNerney represents a district at the heart of this ongoing water struggle.
📢 “I want to ensure water is available through recycling, storage, and some desalination,” McNerney stated. “That way, we can ease the conflicts over Delta water.”
Legislation to Boost Recycled Water Use
On Tuesday, McNerney introduced Senate Bill 31 (SB 31) to reduce regulatory barriers surrounding recycled water use. Currently, treated wastewater can be legally used for irrigation—such as watering parks and golf courses—but spills or overflows can result in severe fines, as if they were toxic spills. SB 31 seeks to adjust these penalties, making it less risky for organizations to invest in recycled water.
📢 “Reducing liability concerns will encourage more people to use recycled water,” McNerney explained.
While it may seem like a minor adjustment, this policy shift reflects growing scrutiny of California’s water laws—especially regarding recycled water, which experts see as one of the most promising ways to secure the state’s water future.
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The Push for Recycled Water Expansion
California currently recycles about 700,000 acre-feet of water annually, but Governor Gavin Newsom has set a goal to double that amount by 2040.
Some regions, like Santa Clara Valley, have long embraced water recycling. The Santa Clara Valley Water District began supporting recycling efforts in the 1950s, recognizing its potential as a locally controlled, drought-resistant resource.
📢 “We knew early on that recycled water was key to reducing potable water use,” said Kirsten Struve, assistant officer of Valley Water’s supply division.
Across the Bay Area, communities are expanding their recycled water infrastructure by installing distinctive purple pipes to separate recycled water from drinking water. Though costly, these systems are already being used for cooling data centers in Silicon Valley and flushing toilets in major buildings like San Jose City Hall and San Jose State University.
Despite these advancements, only 15% of the county’s available recycled water is currently in use.
Turning Recycled Water Into Drinking Water?
One of the most controversial steps forward is potable water reuse—turning recycled wastewater into drinkable water. California legalized potable reuse in October 2023, and Valley Water has already built a facility capable of producing ultra-purified drinking water. Their goal is to produce 24,000 acre-feet per year, which could supply 72,000 households.
📢 “It will take time, and public outreach is crucial,” said Struve.
Public Perception: The Biggest Hurdle?
While using recycled water for irrigation is widely accepted, the idea of drinking purified wastewater is a harder sell for some Californians. Overcoming the “toilet-to-tap” stigma may be one of the biggest challenges in expanding potable reuse programs.
Yet, as climate change intensifies drought risks, experts argue that embracing recycled water is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.
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