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The
following are frequently asked
questions about the Eastside Road
Storage Project and the Town of
Windsor’s Recycled Water Program.
EASTSIDE STORAGE PROJECT
QUESTIONS
RECYCLED WATER PROGRAM
QUESTIONS
EASTSIDE STORAGE PROJECT
QUESTIONS
How will the project be funded?
The Eastside Road Storage project is
anticipated to be funded from a
combination of potential sources
including the following:
- Wastewater utility rates and
connection fees
- Bond financing
- Grants
Additionally, if the Town decides
to partner with other agencies for
the project, then contributions from
other participating agencies would
be another source of funding.
RECYCLED WATER PROGRAM
QUESTIONS
What is "reclaimed" or "recycled"
water?
Reclaimed water, also referred to
as recycled water, is municipal
wastewater that has been cleaned and
treated in order to remove
pollutants and contaminants so that
the water can be safely reused for a
variety of uses. The California
Department of Health Services has
established the treatment standards
and regulations regarding any reuse.
Windsor treats its wastewater to
tertiary recycled water standards
(also referred to as advanced water
treatment) which is the highest
level of treatment defined by the
State and allows for unrestricted
reuse in virtually all reclaimed
water applications. Examples of
common recycled water reuse
applications include: Any
agricultural irrigation (food crops,
vineyards, sod farms, Christmas tree
farms, etc), ornamental plants,
parks and playing fields, golf
courses, cemeteries and recreational
waterways for boating and swimming,
cooling tower water, groundwater
recharge and toilet flushing.
Recycled water is an excellent
substitute for drinking water in
many applications especially in
areas experiencing drinking water
shortages due to droughts or
limitations on supply.
Is
recycled water safe?
Yes. Recycled water must meet
stringent regulatory requirements
monitored by the State
Department of Health Services and be
treated to the State of California
Title 22 standards for tertiary
(advanced) treatment of water. It
must also meet regional and local
standards. Wastewater is treated to
these rigid standards to ensure that
public health and environmental
quality are protected. The Town's
recycled water is monitored and
tested daily to ensure that it
consistently meets these high
quality standards.
How long has recycled water been in
use?
Recycled water systems have been
operating in California and
throughout the nation since the
early 1960’s. As Sonoma County and
California water supplies are
stretched, using recycled water for
irrigation preserves drinking water
supplies for people and fresh water
for creeks, rivers and wetlands.
Systems are continuously upgraded in
response to treatment breakthroughs
and research. Windsor’s Advanced
Treatment facility was built in
1991. The facility has since been
upgraded and expanded over the years
to improve treatment, storage and
reuse.
Where is recycled water used in
Windsor?
Windsor currently provides
recycled water for the irrigation of
agricultural lands, parks and
recreational facilities such as
Windsor Golf Course, Windsor High
School, the Town Green and Wilson
Ranch Soccer Park. Recycled water is
also used to water front and back
yards in the Vintage Greens
neighborhood. These applications
save millions of gallons of fresh
water each year. The use of recycled
water will continue to expand both
within and outside of the Town
limits.
What is the Town doing to make sure
the recycled water is always safe?
The recycled water quality is
monitored by Town personnel daily to
ensure that rigid water quality
standards are continually met.
Additional monitoring is done by
local regulatory agencies. Water
testing takes place throughout the
treatment process. Water quality
testing results are reported to, and
monitored by, regulatory officials
to ensure high quality standards are
met.
How is recycled water treated?
Windsor has been operating its
Advanced Water Treatment (tertiary)
facility since 1991. The facility
has since been upgraded twice in
order to improve its processes and
increase plant capacity. The latest
technology is used for odor control
equipment and disinfection
throughout the facility.
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