60 Minutes: How A California Utility Is Turning Sewer Water Into Purified Drinking Water

Last night, CBS News’ 60 Minutes featured a segment showing how the Orange County Water District transforms 96 million gallons a day of treated wastewater — including sewage — into purified drinking water. The segment ends with reporter Lesley Stahl taking a sip.

There are many examples across the United States of local water utilities taking progressive steps to create a drought-proof sustainable supply of water to meet public, agricultural, industrial and environmental demands. These include Wichita Falls, Texas, Palm Beach County Utilities, Florida and LOTT Clean Water Service in Oregon.

“The days of using water once and disposing of it are behind us,” said Melissa Meeker, Executive Director of WateReuse Association. “Reusing water is safe, sustainable and protective of traditional supplies, not to mention essential to our economic development.”

The 60 Minutes report on the OCWD Groundwater Replenishment System can be viewed at http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/drinkable-sewage-water/

About The WateReuse Association
TheWateReuse Association and Research Foundation advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, and research.