Recycled Water

As California’s population grows and climate change poses uncertainties in the state’s drinking water supply, the value of recycled water increases. The Regional Water Quality Control Plant produces one million gallons of high-quality recycled water each day. Since 2007, more than one billion gallons of recycled water were used for landscaping and industrial applications, conserving our drinking water. Today, we are working to improve the quality of our recycled water through the construction of a Local Advanced Water Purification Facility.

What is recycled water?

Recycled water is highly treated wastewater that meets rigorous standards set by California's Recycled Water-Related Statutes and Regulations. Recycled water is a local and more sustainable source of water for irrigation than drinking water. Every gallon of recycled water used on landscaping saves a gallon of potable water for drinking and other uses.

What can recycled water be used for?

Recycled water is clean and safe for non-potable use. It can be used for construction and dust control, as well as irrigating food crops, parks and playgrounds, school yards, residential and commercial landscaping, golf courses and more.

Recycled Water Coast to Coast: Transforming Water, Sustaining Our Future(PDF, 779KB)

If you would like to learn more about irrigating with recycled water, this guide helps landscape owners, designers, and managers use recycled water effectively and choose appropriate Bay Area plants.

Irrigating San Francisco Bay Area Landscapes with Recycled Water(PDF, 8MB)

How is the quality of recycled water?

The quality is good and getting better! Palo Alto’s recycled water has been used successfully on plants and grasses for many years. It is currently not recommended for redwood trees or other salt-sensitive plant species.

Redwood Tree Monitoring Study 2009-2016 Factsheet(PDF, 4MB)

The Plant analyzes samples of recycled water on a monthly basis to track salt content, pH and more.

Recycled Water Quality Analysis(PDF, 114KB)

In December 2019, the City signed an Agreement with Valley Water and the City of Mountain View to increase water reuse in Santa Clara County. As part of this Agreement, the City will build a facility at the Plant to lower total dissolved solids and improve the quality of recycled water. Learn more about the future Local Advanced Water Purification Facility.

Is recycled water safe?

Yes, the California State Water Resources Control Board has very high treatment standards and regulatory oversight for recycled water. Palo Alto’s recycled water meets all state standards for water used for irrigation and other uses with similar public exposure. Palo Alto’s recycled water is not for drinking or swimming.

WaterReuse prepared a Risk Assessment Study that estimated health risks from exposures to pharmaceutical and personal care products potentially found in recycled water. Below are some examples of people who may come into contact with recycled water and what the study found.

Child at Play - Risk Assessment Study(PDF, 823KB)

Golfer - Risk Assessment Study(PDF, 848KB)

Landscaper - Risk Assessment Study(PDF, 1MB)

Agricultural Worker - Risk Assessment Study(PDF, 2MB)

Where is the Plant's recycled water used?

Recycled water generated from the Plant is used for irrigation in parks and public spaces. In Palo Alto, it is used at the Baylands Golf Links, the duck pond, Greer Park, and landscaped areas around the Plant. In Mountain View, it is used at Shoreline Golf Course and nearby business campuses.

How to get recycled water

Recycled water truck fill station Recycled water is available to businesses, residents, and projects located in the Plant's service area. It can be picked up by truck at the Plant's overhead standpipe. A permit is required.

Review user guidelines, and apply for a permit

Can recycled water be delivered to my home or business?

Yes! Residents and businesses can hire a recycled water hauler (permitted user) to deliver recycled water. A representative (e.g., tenant, owner, property manager, etc.) for each location must fill and submit Form A – Use of Recycled Water on Private Properties Statement. The form can be submitted by email to recycledwater@paloalto.gov.

Form A(PDF, 156KB)

Formulario A(PDF, 110KB) (en español)