Use of non-potable water was one of the discussions at the annual convention of the America Water Works Association. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge went to San Diego convention center, and has this story.
Water that's reclaimed from a city's waste-water system is often treated to a non-drinkable level. But it can still be used for used for irrigation, fire fighting, cooling and toilet flushing. Alan Rimer consults on water reuse projects and he spoke at the water works conference. He says some cities are using recycled, non-potable water by equipping new homes with dual water deliver systems. That keeps the drinking water separate from the non-potable water, which can be used in the toilet.
"That is one of the major consumptive uses of water in the home. And it doesn't need to be highly treated in order to be able to flush a toilet," says Rimer.
San Diego produces non-potable water at its North City water plant. But it lacks an adequate distribution system to deliver that water to customers.
