‘Wastewater to Tap’ Could Become Reality for Californians

California regulators approved new rules last month to enable water suppliers to treat wastewater and redistribute it as drinking water. The state says that the new standards, which took years to craft, are the most advanced in the nation for treating wastewater and will add millions of gallons of additional drinking water to state supplies. But hurdles, including stigmas that surround what’s known as “direct potable reuse,” persist. We talk about California’s new approach to wastewater recycling and its potential to address shortages and ensure a consistent water supply in the face of increasing demand and climate challenges.

Guests:

Heather Cooley, director of research, Pacific Institute

Sean Bothwell, executive director, California Coastkeeper Alliance

Darrin Polhemus, deputy director of the division of drinking water, California State Water Resources Control Board

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