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6.1.E. - Page 9 <br /> Benefits of Recycled Water <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. Recycled water requires about one-eighth the <br /> energy required for seawater desalination, less than one-half the energy used by the San <br /> Francisco regional water system to bring water to the Bay Area, and one-half to three-quarters <br /> the energy required to pump groundwater.'� <br /> The Importance of Educating the Public about Recycled Water <br /> The public is more likely to support the use of recycled water when it understands its role in <br /> water management objectives. Education must focus on the environmental and economic <br /> benefits of recycled water, while addressing public health risk concerns. <br /> Redwood City has a comprehensive program for educating the public about recycled water. The <br /> City uses printed materials and engages in public outreach activities in order to increase the <br /> public's understanding and acceptance of recycled water. Redwood City also requires that all <br /> recycled water site supervisors attend a Site Supervisor Certification Workshop. <br /> Safety Concerns about Recycled Water <br /> When used properly and for its intended use, recycled water is safe. A 2005 study titled, <br /> "Irrigation of Parks, Playgrounds, and Schoolyards with Reclaimed Water," found that there had <br /> been no incidences of illness or disease from either microbial pathogens or chemicals, and the <br /> risks of using recycled water for irrigation were not measurably different from irrigation using <br /> potable water. Studies by the National Academies of Science and the Monterey Regional Water <br /> Pollution Control Agency, have found recycled water to be safe for agricultural use.14 <br /> State law regulates the production and use of recycled water. Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 3 of <br /> the CCR establishes water quality and public health requirements for recycled water. The <br /> California Department of Public Health is responsible for establishing these requirements and <br /> regional water quality control boards are responsible for their enforcement. In addition, Title 17, <br /> Division 1, Chapter 5 of the CCR establishes requirements to prevent cross connections between <br /> recycled water systems and drinking water systems. State and local health departments enforce <br /> these regulations.15 <br /> 13 <br /> "Impartance of Recycled Water to the San Francisco Bay Area"-Bay Area Recycled Water Coalition <br /> http://www.barwc.or�/files/LinkClick.pdf(Dec. 19,2012). <br /> 14 <br /> http://en.wikipedia.or�/wiki/Reclaimed water <br /> 15 <br /> California Department of Public Health Regulations Related to Recycled Water-January 2009, <br /> http://www.cdph.ca.�ov/certlic/drinkin�water/Documents/Lawbook/RWre�ulations-O 1-2009.pdf <br /> (Dec. 19,2012). <br /> 5 <br />