Score: +1
(1/0/0)
San Diego County Grand Jury
• 2021-2022
Water Report for San Diego County Reclaimed Water for a Sustainable Future
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 3 findings
F1
Traditional public relations and/or educational outreach is not improving public and political support for wastewater and stormwater reuse as potable water. The Public awareness of the Pure Water Program is limited. Fact: There are no current federal regulations specifically governing potable water reuse in the United States. State regulations, policies and federal guidance addressing aspects of the reclamation process exist, including requirements for wastewater treatment, and drinking water treatment. Fact: The EPA sets national enforceable drinking water standards and retains oversight authority over tribal and federal and state, water programs. Fact: State agencies collect large amounts of information regarding water use that could support improved local and regional water system resilience. Fact: Comprehensive regulations do not exist for some of the direct potable reuse projects, making permitting and public acceptance a challenge.
F2
The California State Water Resources Control Board is developing regulations for potable reuse. In 2014, Board’s Division of Drinking Water finalized groundwater replenishment regulations, which were incorporated in the recycled water-related regulations. In 2017, Assembly Bill 574 was signed into law and established a deadline of December 2023 for initial State Direct Potable Reuse regulations. Fact: 9.4 million people in California urban service areas (35% of those served) live in low income, rural, or underserved regions with limitations to their water access. Fact: The IRWM Water Needs Assessment seeks to engage, or increase engagement of, disadvantaged communities with the Integrated Regional Water Management Program. Fact: Californians dependent upon small water systems or private wells are vulnerable to groundwater contamination. As the water table drops, larger suppliers balance the potential threat of emerging contaminants against their ability to supply water. These concerns are addressed by the recently passed State of California Senate Bill 552. Fact: SDCWA and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board supports the capacity, participation, and full integration of tribal governments and DACs in regional planning processes.
F3
The implementation of SB-552 is important for small water suppliers in rural areas. Recently approved State of California legislation encourages the development of water shortage strategic plans and encourages administrative funding to mitigate the impact of drought and to promote water resiliency and water re-use.
Recommendations 11
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22-31Page 10Support regional water reclamation efforts by improving public trust in the safety and
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22-32Page 10Support small water agencies in their efforts to comply with new laws for agency water
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22-33Page 10Solicit the participation of small water suppliers and DACs in water re-use policy and
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22-34Page 11Support water reclamation efforts by improving public trust in the safety and benefits of
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22-35Page 11Incorporate new current state regulatory standards for potable water reuse into their
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22-36Page 11Support small water agencies in their efforts to comply with new laws for agency water
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22-37Page 11Solicit the participation of small water suppliers and DACs in water re-use policy and
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22-38Page 11Support the City of San Diego water reclamation efforts by improving public trust in the
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22-39Page 11Incorporate new current state regulatory standards for potable water reuse into their
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22-40Page 11Support small water agencies in their efforts to comply with new laws for agency water
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22-41Page 11Solicit the participation of small water suppliers and DACs in water re-use policy and
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.