Are You Ready For The New Water Reuse Regulations?

For decades, California has taken the lead in setting standards for water reuse. Other parts of the U.S. that have struggled with water stress or scarcity have used the state’s Title 22 regulations as a benchmark for their own guidelines or need-based treatment designs. On Oct. 1, 2024, California’s new Title 22 regulations took effect, which include guidance on direct potable reuse (DPR). It defines the criteria for a multi-barrier approach to ensure the water is treated to meet or exceed drinking water standards established in the state’s Safe Drinking Water Act. Regardless of controlling pathogens or chemicals, the regulations require three diverse treatment mechanisms with configurations and log reductions varying based on the control target.

Within the state, continued treatment investigation and investment are expected. Even outside California, water utilities, regulators, manufacturers, and design engineers should understand these new guidelines, the processes, and the technologies they cover in order to prepare themselves for implementation.