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Uses of Recycled Effluent

Recycled effluent, also known as treated wastewater and reclaimed water, is used for several purposes. In Southern California, reclaimed water has been used to irrigate public parks and golf courses since 1929. In Australia, treated wastewater is used to irrigate vineyards in down-under wine country. In a few areas, reclaimed water is also used for drinking water. However, there are public health concerns that treating sewage water does not completely kill bacteria dangerous to humans. On the plus side, using reclaimed water reduces demand on fresh water supplies and also helps to limit sewage runoff in environmentally sensitive areas.

  1. Vineyard Irrigation

    • Treated wasterwater is used to irrigate vineyards in Austalia and golf courses in Southern California.

      In Australia, recycled wastewater or effluent is used to irrigate some vineyards. Using the wastewater reduces consumption of potable drinking water and also allows expansion of vineyard crops, according to James Cook University. Australia's vineyard industry is increasingly dependent upon irrigation for crop maintenance and growth. Recycled effluent provides an alternative water supply and is also a reliable water resource. Los Angeles County, which has historically lived with water shortages to serve its massive population, uses reclaimed water to water the grass in public parks and golf courses.

    Effluent Monitoring

    • Using recycled water or effluent for irrigation in Australia's expanding wine industry is being closely monitored due to concern over possible public health issues. The oversight includes regular soil testing and also monitoring water quality. In the United States, there is concern that the chlorination disinfection process used to treat wastewater may not entirely eliminate harmful bacteria.

    Drinking Recycled Effluent

    • Drinking recycled wastewater is not a common practice but is being done in some areas. According to Professor Peter Collignon, director of infectious diseases and microbiology at Australian Capital Territory, the city of Winkhoek in Namibia uses treated wastewater as a potable water source. The recycled effluent is considered a better alternative than any other water supply in the region. In Los Angeles County, Calif. and in Singapore, reclaimed water is put through advanced treatment and is used as drinking water.

    Dangers of Drinking Recycled Effluent

    • A study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1997 found that bacteria from treated wastewater used in sprinklers can travel over 1,000 feet in the air. The research means that reclaimed water used to irrigate the backyard lawn could contain bacteria dangerous to humans. An earlier study also found that treating wastewater through chlorination disinfection reduced sewage bacteria but may increase pathogenic organisms. Essentially, the EPA warned that staphylococcus and other bacteria can be present in reclaimed water used by cities for urban irrigation.

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