Frequently Asked Questions
To help provide a solid foundation for solutions that can help sustain our natural resources, water reuse and desalination facts and terminology have been provided. By understanding the facts and the terminology along with the existing misconceptions, one can begin to understand the needs and benefits of
water reuse and desalination.
- Are there other water agencies exploring purified water as an alternative drinking water source?
This multi-barrier water purification process is currently already in operation at water districts in the state, nation, and globally. For example, Orange County Water District in Southern California is one of several water agencies in California that has implemented potable reuse programs. The Orange County project produces 100 MGD of purified water used to replenish groundwater basins there. Water purification is also used in Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Singapore, Australia and more.
- How is the purified water being used right now, and how will it be used in the future?
The highly purified water is currently blended with the recycled water produced at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, to enhance the quality and expand the usage of recycled water for irrigation and industrial purposes. In the future, the water district plans to augment our drinking water supplies by using purified water to replenish groundwater basins.
- Why do we need to expand the use of recycled water?
The Santa Clara Valley needs additional supplies to fill projected future water supply shortfalls. Highly purified recycled water is one new, locally developed and reliable water supply. Provided through proven technologies, it is a drought-proof water supply that can help ensure the valley has safe sustainable water now and into the future. By using water that would typically be released into the San Francisco Bay, we also benefit from local resource. Freshwater discharge to the Bay can also impact sensitive salt marsh habitat. Recycled water is a locally controlled source, unlike imported water.
- What specific steps is the water district taking to expand recycled water use?
The Santa Clara Valley Water District has partnered with the cities of San José and Santa Clara to build the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center, a state-of-the-art facility to help meet Santa Clara County’s future water needs. The $72 million purification center in San José produces up to 8 million gallons of highly purified water per day, making it the largest advanced water purification plant in Northern California.