Recycled or reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated to such a high level that it can be used safely and effectively for nondrinking purposes. Reuse applications include agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing or replenishing a groundwater basin.
Strict safety standards protect people and the environment.
Based on its intended end use, reclaimed water must meet strict standards set by the state Departments of Health and Ecology. In its processing for reuse, wastewater is highly filtered, disinfected and frequently tested to assure its water quality.
Watec has expertise in wastewater projects both large and small.
We’ve worked with individual residents, businesses and communities throughout the Northwest to develop wastewater treatment and reuse systems.
In 2003, Watec applied its expertise to upgrade the Fisherman Bay wastewater treatment plant on Lopez Island into an advanced integrated lagoon/wetland system with a 34,000 gallon per day capacity. Since the upgrade, performance at the plant has improved significantly.
On a smaller scale, Watec has worked with island customers to develop on-site wastewater reuse systems. In a typical installation, sewage system wastewater is treated and piped underground where it is dispersed via a subsurface drip technique. The recycled water provides irrigation for agriculture, turf or landscaping needs.
These and other reuse strategies lessen our dependence on ground and surface water sources and can decrease the diversion of water from sensitive ecosystems.