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Water Reuse in California Agriculture

Agricultural reuse refers to recycled water used in an agricultural setting. Water is treated and used again, employing effective and efficient processes to meet specific quality standards for the intended end use.

Water that is treated and cleaned for agricultural reuse includes municipal wastewater, wastewater from plants that process agricultural products, and runoff from fields after irrigation (also known as tailwater).

Mission of the Agricultural Reuse Committee

  • Providing a forum for review and provide input on agricultural reuse related regulations and legislation
  • Facilitating WRCA access to agricultural reuse case studies and technical information
  • Conducting outreach to agricultural groups on reuse as a potential for water supply reliability
  • Reviewing the Water Board annual volumetric survey to inform and understand agricultural reuse trends

Benefits of Agricultural Reuse

  • Resilient: Water recycling provides a constant, reliable supply of fresh water that does not rely on environmental factors or pumping restrictions.
  • Locally Controlled: Agricultural reuse creates a local water supply for arid regions that depend on imported water.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Agricultural reuse saves resources, reduces pollution to sensitive water bodies, and reduces energy use associated with pumping long distances.
  • Safe: State and federal regulations establish stringent standards for water quality that protect public health.

Agricultural Reuse Growth in California

California is a leader in agricultural reuse. The 2020 State Water Resources Control Board annual volumetric survey showed a 52,000 acre-ft increase in agricultural reuse from 2019.

Agricultural Reuse Stories

Fresno Recycled Water

Tapped Out: The EGAP Story

Regulations and Resources

Agricultural Reuse Research

Photo courtesy of The Freshwater Trust

Calendar of Events

Leadership

Committee Chair: 
Shannon Cotulla 
Public Works Director, Town of Windsor 

Committee Co-chair: 
Melanie Holmer 
Global Reuse Principal, Jacobs

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