Western Municipal Water District depends on imported water for domestic, agricultural, and commercial uses. This imported supply is considered limited and should be reserved for the highest and best use of potable water.
The district owns and operates the Western Water Recycling Facility which currently supplies secondary treated wastewater for irrigation purposes. Said facility is undergoing an expansion of its treatment capacity from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 gallons per day (MGD) and an upgrade of its processing capability to produce high quality tertiary treated recycled water. Tertiary treated recycled water can be used for all nonpotable applications including, but not limited to, irrigation and agricultural water service. (See Article II of this chapter, Definitions, for an explanation of secondary and tertiary treated wastewater.) The district also has access to other supplies of tertiary treated wastewater from neighboring utilities.
Depending on the level of treatment supplied, recycled water, in lieu of nonpotable or potable water supplies, can be used to irrigate greenbelts, parkways, public parks, athletic fields, nurseries, and agriculture. Recycled water, in lieu of nonpotable or potable water supplies, can also be used for industrial processes, construction, landscape or recreational impoundments, wildlife habitat, or groundwater recharge.
The appropriate use of recycled water represents a wise use of a scarce resource and can reduce the need for additional imported water supplies.
(Ord. 364 § 1(1.1), 2006; Ord. 377 § 1, 2010)
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the conservation of water resources and ensure the maximum public benefit is derived from the use of the district's recycled water by regulating its use in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
(Ord. 364 § 1(1.2), 2006)
It is the policy of Western Municipal Water District that recycled water determined to be available pursuant to Section 13550 of the Water Code shall be used for appropriate nonpotable uses within the district whenever it: (A) provides a beneficial use to the customer, (B) is economically and technically feasible, (C) is consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, and (D) is in the best interests of public health, safety, and welfare.
Western Municipal Water District is committed to expanding the use of recycled water within the district to minimize the need for new sources of imported water.
The district reserves the right to require customers to use recycled water in lieu of nonpotable or potable water supplies for all approved uses. This provision is understood to apply to existing customers as well as new customers applying to the district for water service. In regard to existing customers, a notice of the determination to use recycled water shall be mailed explaining the reasons for use and resultant procedures needed to facilitate recycled water use as well as the proposed conditions and schedule for the proposed conversion. Partial or full conversion of existing customers to recycled water use may be mandated only as allowed or required by law.
It is the district's further intent to maintain recycled water quality by implementing and maintaining a rigorous pretreatment program for industrial and commercial customers.
(Ord. 364 § 1(1.3), 2006; Ord. 377 § 2, 2010)
This chapter establishes the requirements for recycled water use and the provision of recycled water service within the boundaries of the Western Municipal Water District. If there is any conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of any of the documents incorporated by reference, the most stringent requirement will apply.
A. 
Documents Incorporated by Reference. The following documents, as amended, are incorporated herein and by this reference made a part hereof as though fully set forth:
1. 
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4 (California recycled water regulations).
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/publications/waterrecycling/purplebookupdate6-01.PDF
2. 
California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 5, Group 4 (California cross-connection control regulations).
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/publications/waterrecycling/purplebookupdate6-01.PDF
3. 
Manual of Cross-Connection Control/Procedures and Practices, California Department of Health Services.
4. 
Guidelines for the Preparation of an Engineering Report for the Production, Distribution, and Use of Recycled Water, California Department of Health Services.
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/publications/waterrecycling/ERGUIDE2001.PDF
5. 
Guidelines for Distribution of Nonpotable Water, California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association.
6. 
Developer Handbook and Standard Drawings for Water, Recycled Water, and Sewer Facilities, Section 2.5, "Design Criteria for Recycled Water Facilities," and Section 9.0, "Standard Drawings," Western Municipal Water District.
7. 
Recycled Water Use Guidelines, Western Municipal Water District.
8. 
Guidelines for Water Reuse, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA625/R-04/108.
(Ord. 364 § 1(1.4), 2006)