Get Reclaimed Water Applicationagreement & Permit - City Of Santa Fe

Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) reclaims water from a variety of sources then treats and reuses it for beneficial purposes such as agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration.

Although reclaimed water offers significant potential as an alternative water supply source, there is typically too much of it available during periods of high rainfall and not enough available to meet demands during low rainfall periods.

Recycled Water generally refers to treated domestic wastewater that is used more than once before it passes back into the water cycle. The terms “reused” and “recycled” are often used interchangeably depending on where you are geographically. Reclaimed water is not reused or recycled until it is put to some purpose.

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater and can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies.

Potable Water is drinking water that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards. Recycled Water generally refers to treated domestic wastewater that is used more than once before it passes back into the water cycle.

The quality of reclaimed water is generally more corrosive than potable water, although it varies significantly depending on the processing technique used. Therefore, numerous studies have focused on corrosion in systems that supply reclaimed water.

Reclaimed water is not acceptable for: Human use. Bathing, cooking or toilet flushing. Any interconnection with another water source.

Reclaimed water must also meet existing state laws for discharge to the environment — such as to aquifers or rivers. Treatment systems automatically divert any water that is not fully treated. This means the public will not encounter reclaimed water unless it is safe for its approved use.