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1. What is "reclaimed" or "recycled" water?

Reclaimed water, also referred to as recycled water, is municipal wastewater that has been cleaned and treated in order to remove pollutants and contaminants so that the water can be safely reused for a variety of uses. The California Department of Health Services has established the treatment standards and regulations regarding any reuse. Windsor treats its wastewater to tertiary recycled water standards (also referred to as advanced water treatment) which is the highest level of treatment defined by the State and allows for unrestricted reuse in virtually all reclaimed water applications. Examples of common recycled water reuse applications include: Any agricultural irrigation (food crops, vineyards, sod farms, Christmas tree farms, etc), ornamental plants, parks and playing fields, golf courses, cemeteries and recreational waterways for boating and swimming, cooling tower water, groundwater recharge, and toilet flushing. Recycled water is an excellent substitute for drinking water in many applications especially in areas experiencing drinking water shortages due to droughts or limitations on supply.

2. Is recycled water safe?

Yes. Recycled water must meet stringent regulatory requirements monitored by the State
Department of Health Services and be treated to the State of California Title 22 standards for tertiary (advanced) treatment of water. It must also meet regional and local standards. Wastewater is treated to these rigid standards to ensure that public health and environmental quality are protected. The Town's recycled water is monitored and tested daily to ensure that it consistently meets these high quality standards.

3. How long has recycled water been in use?

Recycled water systems have been operating in California and throughout the nation since the early 1960’s. As Sonoma County and California water supplies are stretched, using recycled water for irrigation preserves drinking water supplies for people and fresh water for creeks, rivers, and wetlands. Systems are continuously upgraded in response to treatment breakthroughs and research. Windsor’s Advanced Treatment facility was built in 1991. The facility has since been upgraded and expanded over the years to improve treatment, storage, and reuse.

4. What is the Town doing to make sure the recycled water is always safe?

The recycled water quality is monitored by Town personnel daily to ensure that rigid water quality standards are continually met. Additional monitoring is done by local regulatory agencies. Water testing takes place throughout the treatment process. Water quality testing results are reported to, and monitored by, regulatory officials to ensure high quality standards are met.

5. How is recycled water treated?

Windsor has been operating its Advanced Water Treatment (tertiary) facility since 1991. The facility has since been upgraded twice in order to improve its processes and increase plant capacity. The latest technology is used for odor control equipment and disinfection throughout the facility.

6. Can my children run through the sprinklers in lawn that is watered with recycled water?

Because tertiary treated recycled water is approved for full body contact, there is no danger from being sprayed or swimming in it. Physical contact with recycled water is not known to have any adverse or ill effects.

7. Can recycled water be used in swimming pools and spas?

Although the town’s recycled water is approved for full body contact and fish life, the Town does not permit its use in swimming pools and spas at this time. Rather, the Town is trying to convert urban landscape irrigation to recycled water usage wherever possible. Landscape irrigation continues to account for the largest water usage during peak demand periods and continues to be the most practical use of recycled water and preserves our limited potable water supply.

8. What happens if we drink it, or my dog does?

No health related problems have ever been traced o any of the reclamation projects throughout the country. Recycled water is safe for pets, wildlife, and farm animals as well. However, the Town discourages this type of use.

9. Does the Town have plans to expand the use of Recycled Water?

Yes. The Town is currently studying where to expand its existing recycled water distribution system to most cost effectively expand recycled water delivery. For a map of the current distribution system click on map link. Recycled Water Base Map