Recycled / Nonpotable Water

CVWD began delivering recycled water in 1968 when it acquired the Palm Desert Country Club wastewater reclamation plant. Today, CVWD provides recycled and nonpotable (canal) irrigation water services to golf courses, local farms, businesses, and HOAs within its service area. We are committed to increasing the supply and use of nonpotable water to maintain a reliable source besides groundwater.

CVWD collects about 3.4 billion gallons of wastewater from homes and businesses from a sewer system annually. The water is treated through a multi-step process at two of five wastewater treatment plants. This process filters out solids, organic materials, chemicals, and germs. 

Recycled water must meet strict water quality standards outlined in Title 22, Chapter 3, Division 4 of the California Code of Regulations. To meet these regulations, employees collect and test recycled water samples every day to meet strict regulations for total coliform bacteria. In addition, chlorine residual, modal contact time, and turbidity are continuously monitored.

Increasing the supply and use of recycled water is critical to CVWD’s long-range water management plans. It creates a secondary reliable local supply source and is drought-proof, enabling us to conserve our precious groundwater for future generations. 

In addition, CVWD imports Colorado River water through the 123-mile Coachella Canal to irrigate agricultural land and golf courses and replenish the local groundwater basin.