Published: May 30, 2019 | 13:07 PM

Recycled Water 101: Keeping Green

Drought-proof beauty

Purple pipe distinguishes IRWD’s recycled water system, but the concept behind it all is green.

• Recycling provides an environmentally sustainable and drought-proof source of water for landscape irrigation, agriculture and business—treating and reusing a precious resource.
• Recycled water keeps our urban landscape lush throughout the year.
• And it saves on irrigation costs for homeowners associations, parks, medians, schools and golf courses

In short, recycled water is what distinguishes our neighborhoods from others that depend on costly imported drinking water to irrigate public parkways and common areas.

Since 1963, Irvine Ranch Water District has been implementing a vision to integrate recycled water into the design of our community. Today, more than 80% of all public and commercial landscape areas in the District are irrigated with recycled water. 

More than just sprinklers

Besides landscaping, IRWD promotes many other commercial uses for recycled water to reduce demand on our drinking water sources. It is used in cooling towers, for toilet-fl ushing in commercial buildings, and for industrial applications such as concrete production and composting.

Every gallon of recycled water used for these purposes saves a gallon of drinking water. It’s all about the right water for the right use.