Nonpotable Water for Golf Course Irrigation

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 within its service area. We are committed to increasing the supply and use of nonpotable water to maintain a reliable source besides groundwater.

CVWD is also investing in its wastewater treatment facilities to increase the production of recycled water, which creates a secondary reliable local supply source. Recycled water is drought-proof, enabling us to conserve our precious groundwater for future generations. 

SYSTEM INFORMATION

• Wastewater Reclamation Plants that recycle water - 2
• Total Daily Tertiary Capacity - 17.5 million gallons per day
• Distribution Piping System - 31 miles

RECYCLED & NONPOTABLE WATER BY THE NUMBERS

17.5 golf courses use a nonportable blend of recycled and Colorado River water.

36 golf courses use all Colorado River water from the Coachella Canal or the Mid-Valley Pipeline. 

54.5 golf courses out of 105 use a nonpotable water source within CVWD's service area. There are 120 golf courses in the Coachella Valley.

3.4 billion gallons of wastewater are recycled yearly at two wastewater treatment plants.

44,034 acre-feet of nonpotable water was used in 2022, making the same amount of groundwater available for drinking and other potable purposes.

165.42 acres of turf were removed by 26 golf courses from 2015-2018, resulting in water savings of more than 956 acre-feet per year.

40.5 additional golf courses plan to switch from groundwater to nonpotable water, bringing the total to 90% of golf courses within CVWD’s service area connected to nonpotable water.

RECYCLED & NONPOTABLE WATER FAQS (COMING SOON)