D. Recycled Water Conversion Projects
IRWD’s goal is to support effective water resources conservation whenever possible. IRWD collects, treats, and recycles sewage for approved beneficial uses. It is IRWD’s intent to provide customers with recycled water in lieu of potable water for all approved uses when economically feasible. IRWD has found that customers are supportive of and interested in using recycled water for landscaping and industrial purposes, as a reliable source of supply. Recycled water is considered a drought proof supply, and recycled water rates are lower than potable rates, which provides an incentive for customers to use recycled water. IRWD may also provide financial incentives, when feasible, for customers to retrofit from potable and untreated water to recycled water sources. An example of a District retrofit includes the following: Example: Irvine Regional Park The Irvine Regional Park Conversion Project is planning to convert the irrigated areas West and North of Irvine Park Lane and Irvine Park Road. to a recycled water irrigation system. This conversion will convert approximately 37acres of historic park landscape irrigation to recycled water with the potential to convert more of the parks total 495 acres in the future. DWR Table 6-6 shows IRWD’s Methods to Expand Recycled Water Use. IRWD already has a “Mandatory Use” requirement for recycled water for all new construction for landscape use, therefore financial incentives only apply to retrofitting potable or other imported water connections with recycled water. IRWD has optimized nearly all opportunities for recycled water use within its service area. Over the past five years, IRWD has seen the rate of increases in recycled water use decline due to limited opportunities for new conversion projects and recycled water system hydraulic limitations. Conservative estimates indicate that expanded, future recycled water uses are expected to be approximately 300 AF. By continuing its existing recycled water use programs, initiatives, and incentives IRWD hopes to continue encouraging recycled water use across the IRWD service area.
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IRWD – 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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