Water Quality > Water Reclamation and Reuse

Water Reclamation and Reuse

Background | Engineering Guidance | Water Rights Self-Assessment | Reclaimed Water Permit | Rule Development Process| Reports | Useful Links | For more information

Recent 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 the Department of Ecology (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 the Department of Health 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 importance of the following benefits of reclaimed water use:

• Consistent, reliable water supply as Washington faces climate change challenges
• Reduced discharge of treated wastewater into Puget Sound
• More water in our rivers and streams for salmon recovery
• More effective management of the Columbia River's water.

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
• 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.  The governor also directed Ecology to 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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Background

In 1992 the Washington State Legislature passed the Reclaimed Water Act, Chapter 90.46 RCW, and directed Ecology and the Department of Health to develop standards for reclaimed water use and to jointly administer a reclaimed water program.  The Reclaimed Water Act has the following goals:

• Encourage and facilitate reclaimed water use
• Provide new basic water supplies to meet future needs
• Protect public health and safety
• Protect and enhance our environment
• Gain public confidence and support for reclaimed water
• Find cost-effective solutions

In addition to reclaimed water, which is derived from municipal wastewater, Chapter 90.46 RCW includes provisions for the beneficial use of greywater, agricultural industrial process water, and industrial reuse water.

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Engineering Guidance

In accordance with RCW 90.48.112, opportunities for reclaimed water use must be considered in engineering submittals to the Department of Ecology. The Water Reclamation and Reuse Standards also require that an engineering report be submitted for review and approval of all water reclamation facilities. This is usually included as part of the facilities plan. The following documents provide guidance in preparing these reports.

Consideration of Reclaimed Water Within General Sewer Plans

Ecology Criteria for Sewage Works Design (Orange Book)

Ecology Criteria for Sewage Works Design, Chapter E1: Reclaimed Water

Facility Plan Reliability Assessment Guidance and Checklist

Design Criteria For Municipal Wastewater Land Treatment Systems for Public Health Protection

Guidelines for Preparation of Engineering Reports for Industrial Wastewater Land Application Systems

Pipeline Separation Design and Installation Reference Guide

Department of Health (DOH) Technology Guidance Documents:

• Wastewater
• Drinking Water

DOH Water Conserving On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/WW/wat-consrv-rsg-7-1-2007.pdf

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Water Rights Self-Assessment

A water rights self-assessment is required to assure that the diversion of an existing wastewater discharge does not impair existing water rights downstream. A guidance document for conducting a self-assessment and a flow chart are provided for your assistance.

Self Assessment
Flow Diagram

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Reclaimed Water Permit

A reclaimed water permit is issued to the generator of the reclaimed water.  The permittee has the exclusive right to the distribution and use of the water. Permit conditions govern the location, the rate, the water quality and the purpose of use. The following documents are used as "boilerplates" in the preparation of reclaimed water permits.

Permit and Fact Sheet Boilerplates:

• State Reclaimed Water Fact Sheet
• State Reclaimed Water Permit
• Inserts to existing permits:
  • Insert - Reclaimed Water Fact Sheet
  • Insert - Reclaimed Water Permit Modification Fact Sheet
  • Insert - Reclaimed Water Permit



For more information

Department of Ecology Katharine Cupps 360 407-6452 kcup461@ecy.wa.gov

Department of Health Craig Riley 509 456-2466 craig.riley@doh.wa.gov

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