Page 22 - YVWD Board Meeting Material
P. 22
Got water shortage? Fill 'er up at
California's first recycled water
station for homeowners
By Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times
POSTED: 07/07/2014 08:13:26 AM PDT
PLEASANTON -- It's not everyone's idea of great swag, but Tri-Valley homeowners are lining up
for a new drought freebie -- recycled sewer water.
Toting empty milk jugs, tubs, buckets, even water tanks, residents have been lining up to fill 'em
up since mid-June at what sewer district officials say is the only plant giving away free treated
effluent to residential customers.
Dublin San Ramon Services District officials say they weren't sure there would be any takers, but
about 60 eager do-it-yourselfers are now making regular runs to haul water to irrigate their yards
and vegetable gardens, fill decorative fountains, wash off horses and control dust at stables.
And as for any "yuck factor" from using sewer
water, users say they aren't deterred because
recycled water customers are all given brief
instructions informing them that the state OKs
the use of effluent for landscaping -- but not
for drinking.
James McCabe, a Pleasanton pharmacist, said
he is not squeamish about irrigating his plants
with the water.
"When I walk my dog by the creek, you're
going to find a lot more bacteria in the creek
than in this recycled water," McCabe said.
District employees came up with the water fill
station idea during a brainstorming session on
how to help Tri-Valley residents cope with
Yucaipa
Yucaipa Valley Water District Board Meeting - July 16, 2014 - Page 20 of 95Valley Water District Board Meeting - July 16, 2014 - Page 20 of 95
California's first recycled water
station for homeowners
By Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times
POSTED: 07/07/2014 08:13:26 AM PDT
PLEASANTON -- It's not everyone's idea of great swag, but Tri-Valley homeowners are lining up
for a new drought freebie -- recycled sewer water.
Toting empty milk jugs, tubs, buckets, even water tanks, residents have been lining up to fill 'em
up since mid-June at what sewer district officials say is the only plant giving away free treated
effluent to residential customers.
Dublin San Ramon Services District officials say they weren't sure there would be any takers, but
about 60 eager do-it-yourselfers are now making regular runs to haul water to irrigate their yards
and vegetable gardens, fill decorative fountains, wash off horses and control dust at stables.
And as for any "yuck factor" from using sewer
water, users say they aren't deterred because
recycled water customers are all given brief
instructions informing them that the state OKs
the use of effluent for landscaping -- but not
for drinking.
James McCabe, a Pleasanton pharmacist, said
he is not squeamish about irrigating his plants
with the water.
"When I walk my dog by the creek, you're
going to find a lot more bacteria in the creek
than in this recycled water," McCabe said.
District employees came up with the water fill
station idea during a brainstorming session on
how to help Tri-Valley residents cope with
Yucaipa
Yucaipa Valley Water District Board Meeting - July 16, 2014 - Page 20 of 95Valley Water District Board Meeting - July 16, 2014 - Page 20 of 95
