Oregon DEQ: Water Quality - Water Reuse Program

Recycled water refers to the treated effluent generated from a municipal wastewater treatment system that as a result of treatment is suitable for a direct beneficial purpose. Recycled water may be permitted by DEQ for use in beneficial purposes that are protective of human health, the environment, and provide a resource benefit.

Introduction
Regulations & Guidelines
Permitting

Case Studies & Best Management Practices
Related Links

Introduction

The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) encourage the use of recycled water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other beneficial purposes in a manner which protects public health and the environment of the state. The use of recycled water can improve water quality by reducing discharge of treated effluent to surface waters, reducing the demand on drinking water sources for uses not requiring potable water, and may conserve stream flows by reducing withdrawal of out-of-stream use.

Regulations & Guidelines

Recycled Water Use is regulated by DEQ under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 340, Division 55, which prescribes methods, procedures, restrictions, treatment, and monitoring requirements for the beneficial use of reclaimed water. DEQ has developed a guidance document for use by DEQ staff involved with the permitting of recycled water projects.

OAR 340, Division 55 - Recycled Water Use Rules
DEQ Internal Management Directive - Implementing Oregon's Recycled Water Rules - June 2009 PDF
Recycled Water Use Plan Checklist (Under development)
Table of Recycled Water Beneficial Purposes PDF
Land Application Laws and DEQ's Procedures for Proposals to Land Apply of EFU Lands - 2001 PDF
Implementation of Senate Bill 212 - 2003 PDF

The Oregon Water Resources Department maintains an interest in water rights and the quantity of recycled water produced and used in Oregon. Recycled water use must be registered with WRD.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is concerned with the public health aspects of recycled water use and reviews recycled water use plans when Class C, D, or nondisinfected water is reused.

No federal regulations directly govern the use of recycled water. However, the U.S. EPA has published guidelines on water reuse which includes discussion of: types of reuse applications, technical issues in planning water reuse systems, water reuse regulations and guidelines in the U.S., legal and institutional issues, funding water reuse systems, public involvement programs, and water reuse outside the U.S.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines for Water Reuse - September 2004 (EPA/625/R-04/108)

Permitting

The use of recycled water requires:

A NPDES or WPCF permit issued by DEQ;
A Recycled Water Use Plan (template under development); and
A Registration of Recycled Water Use (PDF) with the Oregon Water Resources Department

Applications for recycled water use may require one or more of the following. Applicants should contact their regional DEQ office for more information.

Recycled Water Use Plan Summary (applicant) PDF;
Information for the approval of an alternative beneficial purpose;
Information for the approval of alternative treatment processes;
A summary of recycled water quality and quantity;
A Land Use Compatibility Statement at the point of reuse;
Site specific information at the point of reuse; or
Registration of a UIC System.

Case Studies & Best Management Practices

These case studies portray several types of recycled water reuse projects throughout Oregon. (Under development)