Wastewater Treatment and Reuse - Lake Arrowhead, California

Lake Arrowhead, California is a resort community of approximately 10,000 permanent residents. During the peak summer holiday season, the population often increases to 30,000.

In 2000, the district’s average water demand was 2.3 million gallons per day (MGD) (363 m3/hr) and was estimated to grow over 20% by 2030. Unfortunately, there was not a sufficient or permanent reliable source of supply to meet future demands.

During a multi-year drought that started in 2000, Lake Arrowhead started looking at ways to further protect, preserve and supplement their water resources. After successfully lobbying the State Water Quality Control Board (SWQCB), an amendment was made within the Lahontan Region Basin Plan to allow the use of recycled water for outdoor irrigation at elevations above 3,200 feet (975 m).