Is Recycled Water Safe?

Most people have seen the signs that read, "Reclaimed Water, for Irrigation Only. Not for Human Consumption." But how safe is reclaimed, or recycled water? Is it safe to be around recycled water even if it is used for irrigation purposes only?

What is Recycled Water?

Recycled or reclaimed water is waste water which has been filtered, cleaned and sterilized so that it can be reused rather than being dumped into the ocean or another body of water. Recycled water often comes from household and industrial sources, meaning it is composed of both sewage and common waste water (showers, sinks and drains). One of the truly amazing properties of water is its ability to be recycled. Modern filtration systems are able to remove nearly all contaminants, allowing for water to be recycled and reused an infinite amount of times.

Why are People Worried?

In most cases, recycled water is used in place of potable water for agricultural or industrial purposes. Concern over recycled water stems from the fact that the water comes from sewers and other contaminated water sources. Waste water contains many pathogens and chemicals that may negatively affect the health of anyone who inadvertently consumes it. Contaminates like fecal matter, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste are common in waste water, so it is important to know exactly how the water is filtered and what contaminates remain after filtration.

Common Misconceptions

The most common misconception associated with recycled water is that although it is filtered and appears to be clean, the water is just as dirty as the waste water it was recycled from. This of course is not true. Recycled water goes through a series of filtration systems that remove most, if not all dangerous chemicals and pathogens. Depending on how the recycled water is intended to be used, certain contaminants are allowed to remain at higher levels. For example, recycled water intended to be used for irrigation is permitted to have higher levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, as these are nutrients which are beneficial to plants.

Benefits

The benefits of using recycled water are obvious. Clean potable water is often in short supply, so having a secondary source of water to use for agricultural and industrial purposes takes the pressure off of limited/depleted water supplies. In most cases, water suppliers even charge less for recycled water than they do for "clean" water. This can save home owners and businesses hundreds of dollars each year by allowing them to use cheaper recycled water to irrigate lawns, wash cars and clean work areas.

Drawbacks

The drawbacks associated with using recycled water stem mostly from uncertainty of how clean the water truly is. When used for irrigation, water is forced through sprinklers and nozzles which atomize water droplets making them airborne and highly mobile. When recycled water is used in public parks or schools, countless children may be exposed to diseases not present in "clean", potable water. If you are concerned about contaminates in your local recycled water, check with your water supplier for more information.

It is Good for the Earth

Though people remain concerned over the safety of recycled water, the use of recycled water is undoubtedly good for the earth. Using recycled water for irrigation, instead of merely discharging it into the ocean or lakes, helps save potable water for drinking and cooking. The process of recycling water also has the added benefit of keeping our rivers, lakes and oceans clean. All waste water must now be treated before it can be either recycled, or discharged into larger bodies of water. This in turn helps keep the environment clean, and our primary sources of drinking water safe.