Southern California’s water supply is core to tap water access. Without it, there wouldn’t be safe, reliable tap water flowing to your homes. When water agencies reuse and recycle water, it brings the region closer to a more secure water supply and ensures this invaluable resource is available for generations to come.
Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies have innovative programs and modern infrastructure to provide solutions that create a reliable supply of water. Let’s tap into how our water agencies recycle and reuse water beyond the tap.
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) reuses water in several ways. Its Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) — the world’s largest water purification system — delivers 130 million gallons of water per day; enough for one million people. During the GWRS purification process, treated wastewater goes through an extensive, three step process to ensure it is safe to drink. OCWD also has a Green Acres Project that applies water reuse to landscaping and industrial needs.
Known for being an industry leader in recycled water, Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) operates four treatment plants that treat more than 49 million gallons of wastewater per day. While the recycled water is mostly used for agriculture, other usage includes public landscaping. This comprehensive recycled water system allows EMWD to stay prepared for an increase in recycled water production for future urban development needs.
Treatment plants managed by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) produce high-quality recycled water. Like other agencies, IEUA follows strict state and federal regulations to ensure the recycled water is safe for multi-use applications like irrigation, landscaping, industrial cooling and groundwater recharge.
The Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment by providing wastewater treatment services to the community. WRCRWA is a Joint Powers Authority made up of the City of Norco, City of Corona, Jurupa Community Services District, Home Gardens Sanitary District and Western Municipal Water District (Western Water).
While governed by its member agencies, the treatment plant is operated day-to-day by Western Water staff. Their team works around the clock to monitor treatment processes, maintain equipment and ensure compliance with strict environmental standards.
As part of its commitment to being a good neighbor, WRCRWA continues to invest in odor mitigation improvements. Since completing a $75 million plant upgrade in 2018, the Authority has implemented advanced odor-control technologies, including chemical scrubbers, biofilters, covered treatment processes and a relocated exhaust stack designed to improve air dispersion. These investments help minimize odors while supporting reliable wastewater treatment for the communities we serve.
Through regional collaboration, dedicated operations and ongoing infrastructure improvements, WRCRWA continues to provide essential wastewater services that protect public health, support environmental stewardship and prepare our region for the future.
While recycled and reused water isn’t easily visible, it’s likely that it’s being used right in front of you. Water that is recycled and reused has several benefits, but most importantly, it preserves our regional water supply.
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