Wilhelm, M. (2018, September 25). Wasting Wastewater: New Report Identifies Water Recycling Opportunities. Retrieved November 17, 2018, from http://www.kcbx.org/post/wasting-wastewater-new-report-identifies-water-recycling-opportunities#stream/0
A report released by the nonprofit organization Heal the Ocean shows that 417 billion gallons of treated wastewater were pumped into the Pacific from 57 coastal wastewater treatment plants in California in 2015. Though there is little harm done to the ocean, the organization sees this discharged water as a wasted source of potable water, given California’s persistent drought conditions. If 85 percent of discharged wastewater was recycled, it could provide water for 8 million Californians.
Ever since the sewer science unit in freshman biology, when I was informed that wastewater treated in Redwood City is pumped into the bay, I personally found the discharge of this water to be counterintuitive. I am glad to see that my confusion is now backed by scientific research. Water is a vital and now severely limited resource in California. It seems even irresponsible to allow treated wastewater to go unused, simply out of convenience. Some plants are recycling their treated wastewater, and there is proof that this water is perfectly up to tap and drinkable standards. This recycling of wastewater should become the norm, especially in drought-ridden California.
I agree that we should be doing something with this unused wastewater. However, I think one of the most important steps is convincing people it’s okay to drink treated wastewater. Do you think it’s possible to do so quickly enough?
It will definitely be difficult to convince people, but there is clear scientific evidence, and a lot of logical sense too. Maybe the recycled water could just be used for irrigation and flushing toilets for example, before it is run straight through the tap. Even then, people can filter their water further if they want. Still, I think people should just get over it. It is a little different, but astronauts on the space station have been using recycled water since 2008 just fine!