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6.1.E. - Page 5 <br /> y =��__: <br /> � a <br /> * -' '�1 k <br /> C+ '( �!'I`�� 0 <br /> �B <br /> �'Of Sa�� <br /> WATER RECYCLING—AN IMPORTANT <br /> COMPONENT OF WISE WATER MANAGEMENT <br /> Summary � Background � Findings � Recommendations � Responses � Attachments <br /> SUMMARY <br /> San Mateo County's more than 720,000 residents are almost completely dependent on the Hetch <br /> Hetchy regional water system, a system vulnerable to drought and changing weather patterns. <br /> Facing an expanding population and a limited water supply, San Mateo County(County)�and its <br /> 20 cities and towns (Cities) must reduce their residents' dependence on imported water by <br /> diversifying their water supply sources. One way to diversify is through the increased use of <br /> recycled water. <br /> Water recycling alone cannot completely mitigate the growing imbalance between water supply <br /> and demand, but used in conjunction with other water management options it can help the <br /> County and Cities maintain a safe and reliable water source. <br /> Water recycling reduces regional dependence on imported water by providing a local, drought- <br /> resistant water source. It enhances water quality by reducing discharges to and diversions from <br /> ecologically sensitive water bodies. It is environmentally sustainable and has a smaller energy <br /> footprint than most other water supply sources. <br /> The 2012-2013 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) investigated recycled water <br /> use and found that only the cities of Daly City and Redwood City have implemented water <br /> recycling programs. The cities of Brisbane, Foster City, Pacifica, San Bruno, South San <br /> Francisco, and San Mateo have water recycling programs under consideration. The cities of <br /> Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, Colma, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, <br /> Portola Valley, San Carlos, and Woodside,plus the County, do not currently plan to develop <br /> water recycling programs. East Palo Alto did not respond to the Grand Jury's survey. <br /> The Grand Jury recommends that Daly City and Redwood City study expansion of their <br /> programs into other non-potable uses of recycled water, as well as geographic expansion of their <br /> distribution system. The Grand Jury recommends the cities of Brisbane, Foster City, Pacifica, <br /> San Bruno, South San Francisco, and San Mateo finalize their feasibility studies and develop <br /> educational programs designed to highlight the need for recycled water, while addressing public <br /> health risk concerns. The Grand Jury recommends the remaining Cities and the County engage in <br /> active dialogue with water purveyors and wastewater treatment providers, as applicable, about <br /> the feasibility of developing programs for recycling water. <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> Population growth and climate change put at risk the reliability and sustainability of the water <br /> supply that many of us take for granted. Our region's imported water supplies, while still capable <br /> , <br /> The term"County"in this repart refers to the government of the County ar the geographic area of the County, as <br /> appropriate to the context in which it is used. <br /> 1 <br />