Recycled Water: Regulations and Guidance

In November 2011, CDPH released revised draft regulations addressing groundwater replenishment using recycled water from a domestic wastewater sources, for aquifers designated as a source of drinking water.  In December 2011, CDPH held workshops throughout the state and requested written comments from all interested parties.  CDPH has reviewed the comments and has revised the proposed regulation accordingly, which is available by following the link below.  The proposed regulations would replace the existing regulations, adopted in 1978.  The Department is currently in the process of developing the remainder of the regulation package based on this latest draft.  Through SB 918 (2010), Water Code section 13562 requires CDPH to adopt revised groundwater replenishment regulations by December 31, 2013.  However, it’s unlikely this deadline will be met since CDPH has not received the additional resources necessary to meet the deadline in SB 918.  Nevertheless, proposed groundwater replenishment (and surface water augmentation) projects continue to move forward.