California has one of the most developed regulatory environments for water reuse. Californians have been recycling water for more than 100 years. In 1910, recycled water was used for agriculture at nearly three dozen sites, and by the 1950s, more than 100 California communities were using recycled water for agricultural and landscape irrigation. The primary regulations for recycled water in California include:

• Non-Potable recycled water regulations (to be updated in 2023)
• Groundwater Recharge Regulations
• Reservoir Water Augmentation Regulations
• Raw Water Augmentation Regulations and Treated Drinking Water Regulations (planned 2023)
• Onsite Reuse Regulations (planned 2023)

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/documents/lawbook/RWregulations_20181001.pdf

Recycled Water Policy (State Water Board updates every five years)

Contains requirements for potable reuse permits and policies that guide all Title 22 recycled water uses.

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/resolutions/2018/121118_7_final_amendment_oal.pdf

Toxicity Provisions (CA State Water Board)

Recycled water discharge

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/state_implementation_policy/tx_ass_cntrl.html

Plumbing Code (Building Standards Commission and Department of Water Resources)

Regulates indoor use of non-potable recycled water

https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-plumbing-code-2019

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes

Cross Connection Handbook (State Water Board)

Ensures no cross connection between recycled water supply and potable supply (updated planned in 2021)

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/documents/lawbook/dwregulations-2017-12-29.pdf

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Department of Water Resources)

Regulates the use of recycled water in outdoor irrigation

https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance

NEW **Water Use Efficiency Regulations (State Water Board) Planned regulations for 2023

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/california_statutes.html#:~:text=SB%20606%20and%20AB%201668,be%20in%20place%20by%202022.&text=suppliers%20to%20set%20annual%20water%20budgets%20and%20prepare%20for%20drought.

Regional Water Quality Control Board (9 regions)

Issue WRDs and NPDES permits for recycled water

Division of Drinking Water’s Recycled Water Information: The California Water Board’s Division of Drinking water has broad information about California’s water reuse regulations and the development of those regulations. Their policies encompass both potable and non-potable reuse.

Water Quality Control Policy for Recycled Water: The policy contains requirements for potable reuse permits and policies that guide all Title 22 recycled water uses. The California Water Board’s State Water Resources Control Board updates the policy every five years.

Policy and Regulations

Regulations Related to Recycled Water | State Water Resources Control Board

• Recycled water-related regulations are in Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations. The recycled water uses allowed included irrigation, supply for impoundments, supply for cooling or air conditioning, groundwater recharge, and industrial uses.

Surface Water Augmentation Regulations (California Code of Regulations Title 22 § 60301.170) | State Water Resources Control Board

• These regulations allow treated recycled water to be stored in a surface water reservoir for potable reuse.

Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (California Code of Regulations Title 23 §490-495)

• California Code of Regulations added water conservation conditions that are required of water withdrawal permits. The regulation allows California’s State Water Resources Control Board to impose additional conservation requirements to eliminate waste of water and avoid unreasonable draft at the source.

Water Quality Control Policy for Recycled Water | State Water Resources Control Board

• This policy provides direction to the regional water quality control boards, proponents of recycled water projects, and the public regarding the methodology and appropriate criteria for the State Water Resources Control Board and the regional water boards to use when issuing permits for recycled water projects.

Water Management Planning | Assembly Bill (AB) 1668 and Senate Bill (SB) 606-May 31, 2018

• The State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources are to adopt standards for the efficient use of water for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors by June 30, 2022, and over time refine the standard indoor residential non potable water use, which through this policy is established as 55 gallons per capita per day, as of 2018.

General Information

• Division of Drinking Water’s Recycled Water Information
• Municipal Wastewater Recycling Survey
• California WateReuse Action Plan

Arizona has a long history of water reuse starting in at least 1926 and currently as much as two-thirds of all treated wastewater generated in Arizona is reused for a variety purposes. Legislative authority for water reuse was granted to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in 1999 and reclaimed water rules were updated in 2001 focused on protecting water quality and human health. These rules established a permit system and reclaimed water quality standards for a multitude of end uses. The rules also covered gray water use.

ADEQ is revising Arizona’s rules governing the use of recycled water, including reclaimed water and gray water. In a first installment of new rules, effective January 1, 2018, utilities can also apply to ADEQ and be issued a permit for an advanced reclaimed water treatment facility for direct potable reuse (DPR) following interim criteria specified in rule. In the next installment of rulemaking, ADEQ intends to adopt more detailed DPR criteria. Arizona has no indirect potable reuse (IPR) regulations. IPR can be done under separate ADEQ groundwater protection permitting regulations. Other than gray water use, there are no specific rules allowing onsite or decentralized water reuse in AZ.

• Recycled Water Rulemaking: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is working on various recycled water regulations by consulting numerous stakeholders in the field. ADEQ also completed a triennial surface water quality review in 2019 in compliance with the Clean Water Act.
• Use of Recycled Water; Reclaimed Water Quality Standards (Arizona Administrative Code §18-9-7): Arizona Administrative Code defined these recycled water and reclaimed water quality standards. They established a permitting system for multiple non potable methods of water reuse.
• Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, Article 7. Use of Recycled Water: Arizona Administrative Code Article 7 outlines regulations on reclaimed water conveyances and water transport systems. These rules apply to non potable reuse.

Alabama has a history of water reuse citing back to 1975 with reclaimed water being reused primarily for irrigation. The state’s rules allow for Class A and Class B water, with different reuse applications applying to each. These regulations also explain how to apply for permits for reuse. Alabama’s Department of Environmental Management oversees the state’s regulation of water reuse.

Reclaimed Water Reuse Program Chapter 335-6-20

Chapter 335-6-20 establishes the procedures and requirements for pollution source permits for reclaimed water reuse facilities. Reclaimed water is defined as wastewater that has received treatment meeting the chapter criteria and can be reused for beneficial irrigation of areas such as golf course, residential and commercial landscaping, parks, athletic fields, roadway medians and landscape impoundments.

Learn more.

Policy and Regulations

 West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Water and Waste Regulations | West Virginia West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

• West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has a summary of Water and Waste regulations in the state. None directly cover water reuse.

Policy and Regulations

Washington State Department of Ecology, Reclaimed Water | Washington Washington State Department of Ecology 

• The Washington State Department of Ecology has various industrial and landscaping uses but is not potable. This page has information on permitting non potable reclaimed water use in the state.

Reclaimed Water Use (Revised Code of Washington §90.46.005) | Washington State Legislature

• Washington State Legislature encourages the use of reclaimed water through financial support and incentives and directs the departments of health and ecology to coordinate so that reclaimed water can be developed and used to replace potable water, when appropriate, to supplement surface and groundwater supplies, and to benefit aquatic habitats. These applications are aquifer recharge and various non potable reuses.

General Information

• Washington State Department of Health, Water Reclamation and Reuse

Policy and Regulations

General Information

Department of Environmental Conservation, Capture and Reuse

Policy and Regulations

Virginia State Law, Treatment and Standards for Reclaimed Water | Virginia Virginia State Law

• Virginia State Law details the treatment needs for the various containment variables. It has 2 levels of water quality pertaining to various non potable water reuses.

Virginia State Law, Minimum Standard Requirements for Reuses of Reclaimed Water |  Virginia Virginia State Law

• Virginia State Law pairs various urban, municipal, and landscaping water reuses with 2 levels of treated water quality. This treated water has various potable and non potable applications.

General Information

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Water Reclamation and Reuse

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• State of Utah Natural Resources Division of Water Resources, Utah State Water Plan, Water Reuse in Utah

Policy and Regulations

Use of Reclaimed Water (Texas Administrative Code §30.1.210) | Texas Administrative Code 

• Texas Administrative Code allows direct potable water reuse, indirect potable reuse as well as non-potable reuse development.

30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 210- Use of Reclaimed Water | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

• Chapter 210 covers the application of reclaimed water under two application “types.” The chapter defines reclaimed water as “treated wastewater that is safe and suitable for a purpose that use other water resources.” Industrial reuse rules are listed in subchapter E. Rules for graywater and alternative onsite water are found in subchapter F. as potable and/or raw water. Both public health and water supply protection are under the scope.

30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 321, Subchapter P | Texas Administrative Code

• This Chapter of Texas Administrative Code covers the scope of recycling water facilities and the rules that govern them.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. §5.102 | Texas Administrative Code 

• This Chapter of Texas Administrative Code defines the Texas Water Development Board and the rules that guide them. Their policy pertains to potable and non potable reuse.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. §26.011. |  Texas Administrative Code

• This Chapter of Texas Administrative Code defines the administrative provisions of the Texas Water Development Board in regards to Water Quality Control. Their policy pertains to potable and non potable reuse.

General Information

• Texas Water Development Board, Water Reuse
• Water Use Survey Requirement (Texas Water Code § 16.012)
• Texas State Water Plan 
• State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT)

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• Tennessee’s Roadmap to Securing the Future of Our Water Resources

Policy and Regulations

2015 South Carolina Plumbing Code- Chapter 13 Nonpotable Water Systems | South Carolina Plumbing Code 

• South Carolina Plumbing Code offers a set of rules guiding the use of local non potable water recycling systems.

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Application Guidance for Wastewater Reuse Projects

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Reuse of Treated Wastewater Guidance Manual 

Policy and Regulations

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Water Reuse Program | Oregon Department of Environmental Quality  

• The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has reuse regulations for graywater, recycled water, and Industrial water.

Oregon Water Resources Department, Municipal Water Reuse | Oregon Water Resources Department

• Oregon Water Resources Department covers the means for industries and homes to reuse reclaimed water for irrigation and other related graywater purposes.

Recycled Water Use Rules (Oregon Administrative Rules 340-055-0005) | Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

• Recycled Water Use Rules lays out methods, procedures, restrictions, treatment, and monitoring requirements for the beneficial use of reclaimed water. Reclaimed water or recycled water is defined as treated effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment system. The ODEQ developed recycled water project permitting guidance.

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Office of External Affairs, Water Reuse Information
• Water Loss Audit Program

Policy and Regulations

3701-29-17 Gray water recycling systems and alternative toilets. | Ohio Administrative Code

• Ohio Administrative code provides a guideline for Graywater recycling systems in Ohio and sets their scope.

Policy and Regulations

North Dakota Water Commission, North Dakota State Policy/Procedure for Transfer and Reuse of Wastewater  | North Dakota Water Commission

• North Dakota Water Commission defines the terms of permitting for reusing wastewater. It provides the relevant background information as well as pertaining to non potable water reuses such as irrigation.

Policy and Regulations

Local Water Supply Plans (General Statutes of North Carolina §143-355) |

• General Statues of North Carolina defines that governments and any community water systems of a certain size are required to submit a Local Water Supply Plan, with water conservation and reuse programs.

General Information

• Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Facilities.

Policy and Regulations

New York Environmental Protection Department, Water Reuse Program | New York Environmental Protection Department 

• New York Environmental Protection Department’s Water Reuse program applies to the reuse of water in a building and the systems of a building the reuse is applied in. These reuses are industrial, toilet/urinal flushing, and cooling.

New York Environmental Protection Department, Water Reuse Guide 2018-2019 | New York Environmental Protection Department

• This is a guide for navigating the regulations relevant to on-site water reuse in the state. There are detailed steps and many graphics.

Policy and Regulations

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Oil and Gas Extraction Wastewater Management |  New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department 

• New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department has developed regulations relevant to the reuse of water disposed from Oil and Natural Gas projects. Groundwater recharge is encompassed by these regulations.

New Mexico Environment Department, Water Resources & Management  | New Mexico Environment Department 

• New Mexico Environment Department has several regulations relevant to potable and non potable reuse in the state.

Water Project Finance Section; Implementation of state water plan (New Mexico Statutes §72-4A-9) | New Mexico Statutes

• New Mexico Statutes’ Water Project Finance Section has developed the Project Fund Act. This law provides low cost loans for projects related to water conservation and recycling, flood prevention, endangered species, water storage and delivery, and watershed restoration and management. This is relevant to aquifer recharge water reuse.

Water Conservation Plans; municipalities, counties and water suppliers. (New Mexico Statutes §72-14-3.2) | New Mexico Statutes

• New Mexico Statutes defines that “Covered entities” (i.e. water providers of at least five hundred acre-feet annually to municipal users) must submit a water conservation plan to the state engineer in order to be eligible for financial assistance from the Water Trust Board or the New Mexico Finance Authority. This document pertains to Ecological Restoration.

State Water Plan Authorization (New Mexico Statutes §72-14-3.1) | New Mexico Statutes  

• New Mexico Statutes defines that the interstate stream commission, the office of the state engineer, and water trust board are tasked with creating and implementing a comprehensive state water plan, including elements such as: water conservation, water reuse, land use considerations, cooperation with local governments, drought management, and several other topics. This pertains to non potable water reuse.

General Information

2018 New Mexico State Water Plan

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Quality, New Jersey Wastewater Reuse Program
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Quality, Approved Wastewater Reuse Projects

Policy and Regulations

New Hampshire Department of Environment Services, Land Treatment and Disposal of Reclaimed Wastewater: Guidance for Groundwater Discharge Permitting | New Hampshire Department of Environment Services

• New Hampshire Department of Environment Services has laws and regulations relevant to the state’s water reuse. It also has information on filing a groundwater discharge permit and design criteria for wastewater land treatment. These laws relate to irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Gray Water Reuse Facts

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources, No-Discharge Wastewater Treatment
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Wastewater Irrigation Frequently Asked Questions 

Policy and Regulations

Advancing Safe and Sustainable Water Reuse in Minnesota -2018 Report of the Interagency Workgroup of Water Reuse | Minnesota Department of Health

• The report discusses the current status of reuse policies in Minnestoa in pages 32-51 for wastewater, stormwater and rainwater, and graywater reuse.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Municipal Wastewater Reuse Fact Sheet | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency details various levels of municipal wastewater reuse and the relevant quality of treatment needed. This document pertains to industrial reuse, irrigation, and toilet/urinal flushing.

General Information

• Minnesota Department of Health, 2018 Report of the Interagency Workgroup of Water Reuse

Policy and Regulations

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Reclaimed Water Information | Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

• Massachusetts Department of the Environment provides detailed standards for reuse in reclaimed water projects. Reclaimed water is used in landscaping, irrigation, and toilet flushing.

Policy and Regulations

Department of the Environment, Water Reuse Initiative | Maryland Department of the Environment 

• The Maryland Department of the Environment has a public outreach and education program related to water reuse and Maryland with goals to aid the health of the Chesapeake Bay. This program encompasses potable and non potable reuse.

Department of the Environment, Maryland Water Reuse Laws, Regulation, and Guidelines | Maryland Department of the Environment

• The Maryland Department of the Environment recognizes four levels of treated water quality that pertain to different acceptable reuses. This page has links to relevant policies relating to potable and non potable reuse.

Guidelines

Department of the Environment, Water Reuse General Background Information

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Louisiana’s Wastewater Reuse Project

Policy and Regulations

Kansas Water Office, Non-Traditional Sources and Uses of Water-Reuse | Kansas Water Office

• This document details potable and non potable reuse from non traditional variable sources. It outlines potential uses and considerations.

Policy and Regulations

567 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 62: Effluent and Pretreatment Standards: Other Effluent Limits or Prohibitions | Iowa Department of Environmental Protection

• Iowa Administrative Code prohibited discharges; secondary treatment standards; federal effluent and pretreatment standards; reuse of treated effluent. This regulation provides standards for wastewater treatment and effluent requirements. Standards are provided for the non potable reuse of wastewater.

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Report on Indiana Water Use Efficiency and Conservation

Policy and Regulations

Recycled Water Rules (Idaho Administrative Code 58.01.17)| Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

• Idaho Administrative Code encourages Water Reuse in municipal and industrial settings. This pertains to industrial water reuse.

General Information

• Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Wastewater Reuse Permitting in Idaho

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Hawaii Department of Health, Recycled Water Program

General Information

• Hawaii Department of Health, Guidelines for the Reuse of Gray Water

Policy and Regulations

Guidelines

• Georgia Department of National Resources Environmental Protection Division, Water Protection Branch—Guidelines for Water Reclamation and Urban Water Reuse
• State of Georgia, Gray Water Recycling System Guidelines

Policy and Regulations

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida’s Reuse Program | Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection outlines the state’s objectives to encourage and promote conservation and reuse of water. There are policies related to industrial reuse, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and commercial reuse.

Study on the expansion of use of reclaimed water, stormwater, and excess surface water (Florida Senate Bill 536 (2015)) | Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in coordination with stakeholders, is required to conduct a comprehensive study on the expansion of use of reclaimed water, stormwater, and excess surface water throughout the State. Various non potable reuses are covered in this study.

Sewage disposal facilities; advanced and secondary waste treatment. (Florida Statutes §403.086)|  Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Statutes’ ocean outfall legislation contains a prohibition on new ocean outfall discharges, requires advanced treatment for existing outfalls by 2018, and requires that existing facilities reuse a minimum of 60 percent of ocean discharges for beneficial purposes by the end of 2025. Irrigation and groundwater recharge are encompassed in this legislation.

Reuse of reclaimed water (Florida Statutes §403.0645)|  Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Statutes encourages the reuse of reclaimed water statewide and directing state agencies to use reclaimed water to the greatest extent possible, as reuse is considered to be in the public interest. Various non potable reuse applications are covered in this law.

Reuse of reclaimed water (Florida Statutes §373.250) |  Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Statutes defines that water management districts are authorized to require the use of reclaimed water when it is environmentally, economically, and technically feasible. This policy covers irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Reuse Feasibility Studies (Florida Administrative Code 62-610.820) |  Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Administrative code defines that Reuse feasibility studies must be prepared by domestic, wastewater facilities if they operate in certain designated water resource caution areas. These studies pertain to non potable reuse.

Required and optional elements of comprehensive plans (Florida Statutes §163.3177) | Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Florida Statues explains that water reuse providers must submit an Annual Reuse Inventory report to the Department of Environmental Protection for inclusion in the state’s reusable database, which is publicly available. Their reports related to irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Policy and Regulations

General Information

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources, Delaware Reclaimed Water Information

Policy and Regulations

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 2014 State of Connecticut Water Reuse Bill | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

• Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection established guidelines and requirements for water reuse in a 600+ page document that synthesizes all water reuse developments that have occurred in the state. Both potable and non potable reuse applications are in the document.

General Information

• Water Supply Plans (Connecticut General Statutes §25-32d)

Policy and Regulations

Regulation No. 84 – Reclaimed Water Control Regulation | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Commission

• CDPHE’s reclaimed water program is designed to promote the use of reclaimed water in Colorado through Regulation 84- Reclaimed Water Control Regulation. Regulation 84 encompasses the reuses of water for irrigation, fire protection, industrial, commercial, and urinal and toilet flushing. Visit the program’s webpage (link) for information on applying for water reuse permits.

General Information

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Reuse Regulations