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MODULE-5 Wastewater Management
Water Reclamation and Reuse
Water reuse is the practice of taking or "reclaiming" water that has been previously used and applying it to another beneficial purpose without treating it. There are many opportunities for using reclaimed, non-potable water, such as: agricultural, landscape, or golf course irrigation, and industrial, environmental, and recreational uses.
Water reuse can significantly reduce water supply withdrawal for Washington communities by producing reclaimed water for non-potable uses, and reducing the consumption of drinking water supplies. Wastewater reclamation and reuse provides an exciting opportunity for Washington to conserve and expand its precious water resources in a way that reduces pollution and associated clean up costs; improves water quality; extends the capacity and longevity of existing wastewater facilities; reduces energy consumption and environmental impacts; allows for a variety of land uses; and creates new environmental and recreational uses.
Washington's Reclaimed Water Act
In 1992 the Washington State Legislature passed the Reclaimed Water Act, Chapter 90.46 RCW, and directed Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Department of Health (DOH) to develop standards for reclaimed water use and to jointly administer a reclaimed water program. In addition to reclaimed water, which is derived from municipal wastewater, Chapter 90.46 RCW includes provisions for the beneficial use of greywater (treated wastewater), agricultural industrial process water, and industrial reuse water. Rules are not yet developed for all of these.
Recent Water Reuse Legislation
The Washington State Legislature enacted E2SSB 6117 (2007) with the Governor's Directive and ESHB 2884 (2006). Both bills amend Chapter 90.46 RCW - Reclaimed Water Use. The 2006 law directed Ecology to develop and adopt rules on all aspects of reclaimed water use by December 31, 2010. The law also directs Ecology to coordinate with DOH and form a rule-making advisory committee with a broad range of interested individuals.
In 2007, legislation reaffirmed the commitment to reclaimed water and recognized the benefits of reclaimed water use. Some provisions of the new legislation include:
- Requiring reclaimed water use at state agencies where feasible;
- Expanding the scope of the rule advisory committee to address, among other issues, organizational structure, staffing, removing barriers and creating incentives, and developing a long term funding strategy; and
- Increasing legislative reporting requirements.
The Governor also directed Ecology to work with the legislative leadership to address water right impairment (vetoed Sec. 4) and related issues, as well as harmonize the implementation of the new reclaimed water planning requirements. The legislature also provided Capital Budget funding of $5.5 million for initial feasibility and construction of reclaimed water facilities in Puget Sound.
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