California expands recycled water usage to combat diminishing water supply

The Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 31, which aims to expand the use of recycled water in California. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for innovative water management strategies as projections indicate a potential 10% decrease in water supply over the next decade.

Senator Mysore introduced SB 31, emphasizing its role in addressing California's diminishing water resources. He described the bill as a modest yet significant step toward utilizing tertiary treated recycled water for various applications, including landscaping and decorative purposes. The bill allows for the use of this non-potable water in settings such as golf courses and homeowners' associations, with specific guidelines to ensure safety.

Beth Olaso, representing Water East California, provided further details on the proposed changes to Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, which governs recycled water use. She noted that while the state board is interested in updating these regulations, current funding and staffing constraints limit extensive revisions. Instead, SB 31 seeks to make targeted adjustments to facilitate increased use of recycled water.

Key provisions of the bill include allowing recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing in food handling facilities, provided it is restricted to restroom areas. Additionally, the bill permits outdoor irrigation in food processing facilities, with precautions to prevent overlap with food handling activities. The use of recycled water in parks is also addressed, ensuring that irrigation does not occur when the area is occupied by visitors.

Olaso further explained the bill's intent to clarify regulations regarding when recycled water is classified as sewage. This clarification aims to streamline the process of using treated water, particularly in cases where a water line break occurs before the water reaches its intended use site.

The committee noted that there was no opposition to SB 31, and support for the bill was strong. The discussions concluded with an openness to potential modifications as needed, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing California's water management strategies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of adapting to changing water supply conditions and the role of legislation in promoting sustainable practices in water use. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the bill as it moves through the legislative process.