What is reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water is the final product of a multiple stage advanced wastewater treatment process.  Toho currently treats and pumps over 27 million gallons of reclaimed water each day. Reclaimed water is tested daily to ensure it complies with state and federal requirements. Most of Toho’s nine reclaimed water facilities have expanded in recent years to meet future demands conserving our potable water resources.

Image of a reclaimed water facility.

Purple all over

Purple is the universal color for reclaimed water. If you see a purple pipe, sprinkler or irrigation equipment then reclaimed water is being used. It takes wastewater from 6 to 7 houses to make enough reclaimed water to irrigate the landscape of one house. So it is vital that this resource is used efficiently. 

Image of operator checking equipment at reclaimed water facility.

Reclaimed water do's

Reclaimed water’s level of treatment makes it acceptable for:    

  • Irrigating landscapes
  • Agricultural uses such as citrus and pasture lands
  • Aquifer recharge via rapid infiltration basins
  • Industrial and manufacturing applications    
  • Wetlands creation, restoration and enhancement
  • Fire hydrants and fire protection systems
  • Decorative fountains and ponds
  • For dust reduction such as construction sites
Image of a reclaimed water sprinkler.

Reclaimed water don'ts

Reclaimed water’s level of treatment makes it unacceptable for:

  • Consumption by humans
  • Connection to a residential dwelling for toilet flushing, bathing, cooking or other household uses
  • Any interconnection with another water source
  • Recreational use such as swimming pools, outdoor showers or water toys
  • Edible crops which are not peeled, cooked or thermally processed before being consumed
  • Above-ground hose bibs, faucets, quick couplers or hoses, etc.
Image of sign stating not to drink reclaimed water.

It's an excellent fertilizer

Reclaimed water acts as an excellent fertilizer supplement for ornamental plants and turf grass and helps us all to save our drinking water. You do not need to fertilize as often and you really don’t need to use phosphorus due to the high content already naturally present in the soil. Make sure your plants are salt tolerant. Conducting soil tests will provide you precisely what your garden needs. 

Get Soil Test
Image of lady gardening in flower bed.