AgdaPkt 2004-10-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. � • �/� amount of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in stream water far exceeds the quantities that might occur in treated recycled water, as the findings of inedical studies would indicate. In Califomia, the treatment and use of recycled water for non-drinking uses is carefully regulated by the Califomia Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Califomia Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Califomia's regulations are some of the most stringent in the world. Recycled water treatment systems are designed to provide sufficient disinfection and operational safeguards to meet Califomia's strict "Title 22" requirements. Before constructing a recycled water system, an engineering report that includes a detailed description of the project, the enforceable administrative procedures of the project and the design requirements must be approved by DHS. DHS requires that the system inctude multiple reliability physical barriers (filtration) to ensure that the water produced is safe for its intended use. Pursuant to the recently approved Agreement for Production and Delivery of Recycled Water between the South Bayside System Authority and the City of Redwood City, SBSA is designing and will constn.ict new, permanent recycled water treatment (filtration and disinfection improvements), storage and pumping facilities for the City's Recycled Water Project. Concurrently, a draft Engineering Report for the project has been submitted to the DHS staff. DHS conditional approval of the Engineering Report is anticipated in the near future, and it is expected that they will focus their comments on the City's proposed cross connection prevention program as a key element of protecting the public drinking water system — and thus protecting the public from exposure to Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The SBSA treatment plant will produce recycled water in continuous compliance with Title 22 requirements for disinfected tertiary recycled water, DHS' highest recycled water quality standard, which has been in place for several years. The present standard does not specifically address Cryptosporidium, even though removal and inactivation is probably occurring in treatment plants. SBSA's recycled water production will be managed by rigorous operational procedures and processes that continuously meet the requirements of DHS. In addition to satisfying DHS monitoring and reporting requirements, SBSA will also have a detailed operational monitoring system that will further enhance system reliability. SBSA is already experienced in producing high quality recycled water. Since 2000, SBSA has produced tertiary treated recycled water without incident for the First Step Recycled Water Project. The intended use of recycled water in Redwood City is for landscape irrigation and industrial uses only; it will not be consumed by humans. With proper irrigation scheduling and best management practices, the water will be applied during nighttime hours, thus minimizing the potential for anyone to come into contact with it. Redwood City Public Works Services and SBSA will not rely on regulations alone to guide the safe and reliable operation of the recycled water system. Research and studies regarding the safe and effective use of recycled water are continually being conducted worldwide. Staff is — and will continue to be — vigilant in reviewing information generated on all aspects and issues related to the use of recycled water. Both entities belong to several organizations that share data and monitor research. Staff will track specific research projects that may provide new information and guidance for the implementation and operation of the system in the future. Page 2 of 3