Recycled Water

Water is too valuable to be used just once. Every gallon of recycled water used in industrial applications or to irrigate landscaping saves a gallon of drinking water for domestic uses. But what is recycled water? Simply put, it’s previously used water that is captured and made suitable for new uses – primarily water that runs down the shower, sink and toilet drains. MNWD collects this water and uses an advanced treatment process to clean the water to strict federal and state standards.

Recycled water now makes up 22.1 percent of MNWD's total water supply, reducing the amount of costly Northern California and Colorado River water the District must purchase to meet our customers’ needs. This helps to keep our water rates lower. Recycled water is used in manufacturing operations and to irrigate landscapes, including parks, schools, golf courses, streetscapes and open space managed by many local community associations.

A Safe Source
Once it is tested for compliance with health requirements, MNWD delivers recycled water through a completely separate distribution system from domestic drinking water, utilizing nearly 144 miles of distinct purple pipes.

Recycled Water Updates
Mission Viejo Animal Services Center now irrigating with recycled water
April 1, 2010 – In addition to saving local pets, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is now also saving more than 10 million gallons of drinking water each year. Thanks to a partnership between MNWD, the Santa Margarita Water District and the City of MissionViejo, the Center is now irrigating its landscaping with recycled water, freeing precious drinking water that would otherwise be used for the same purpose.

MNWD Expands Use of Recycled Water System
January 21, 2010 – A number of local greenbelts, parks and golf courses once irrigated with domestic drinking water will soon be irrigated using recycled water, as a result of the MNWD’s efforts to expand the use of recycled water throughout its service area.