The Coachella Valley Water District (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.
In addition, CVWD imports Colorado River water through the 123-mile Coachella Canal to irrigate agricultural land and golf courses. It is also used to replenish the local groundwater basin.
