Jennewein, C. (2018, September 26). Council OKs $614 Million for ‘Cutting Edge’ Recycled Drinking Water Project. Retrieved
November, 2018, from https://timesofsandiego.com/tech/2018/09/26/council-oks-614-million-for-cutting-edge-recycled-drinking-water-project/
In San Diego, the council approved a $614 million project to begin construction on an innovative way to recycle water. Called Pure Water, it is scheduled to begin in 2019 and open in 2021. This system will purify 30 million gallons a day into drinking water. Mayor Kevin Faulconer insists that this is a wealthy investment so that San Diego becomes independent from other county’s for water. A total $1.25 billion price tag will have phases. By the time it is completed, it is hoped that San Diego will have approximately 83 million gallons of recycled water.
San Diego, being part of California and relatively close to dry SoCal conditions, took the decision to work with what we all have, toilet water. They requested a very large federal loan but with great judgement. I think it is important to note that the US Environmental Protection Agency is covering 49 percent of the cost of the project, very close to half. When a government agency supports such a large project, there are definitely high hopes for its success.
I found your abstract very interesting, especially since San Diego tap water always tastes terrible. I can imagine how this new system will help employ a multitude of people and create a stable place to recycle water, however, I am curious as to whether this new infrastructure might harm the environment considering how much money for construction is being invested into it.
I think that it is always a huge deal when a water system is changed. For example, in Flint Michigan, the local government hailed the changing water source as a positive thing before essentially poisoning the supply of water. I am interested to see where this project will go.
When I was visiting UC Santa Barbra all of the grass their was watered with recycled water. It seems clear that this is a way to make sure water is not a problem. Can the water that is recycled be contaminated and lead to desieases spreading.
It is interesting that the government is also investing money into Pure Water. If this invention is successful would it be passed on through other states as well?
This is a big advancement and will be very beneficial to San Diego. Although, do you think that the population will be okay with drinking from what the water originally was (toilet water)? Or how long it will take them to come around to drinking it?