Recycled Water Safety and Treatment
Recycled water produced from local water resource centers meets strict state and federal water quality guidelines for irrigation use. The recycled water meets Nevada Administrative Code 445A-2762 standards, among the most strict in the nation. Daily sampling and analysis by laboratory specialists ensures the recycled water meets all regulatory requirements.
Water resource centers treat water to a level acceptable for human contact; however, the water is not treated to drinking water standards. Because of this high-level of treatment, accidental consumption or contact poses no significant concerns for humans or animals.
Treatment
Unlike traditional wastewater treatment plants, the water resource centers only treat liquids from the waste stream. Liquid from the wastewater stream moves into covered basins where the screening and filtering process begins. Screens remove solids and miscellaneous trash and sends the water to the grit basins where heavier, inorganic solids such as sand and stones, are removed.
After removing solids the water passes to an equalization basin so it can be drawn out at a steady flow rate through the rest of the treatment process. Aeration basins, secondary clarifiers and automatic backwash filters treat the water further by removing ammonia, organic particulate matter, and other remaining particles.
Finally, an ultraviolet light treatment, among the latest in water treatment technology, disinfects and readies the water for laboratory testing. After passing this thorough treatment process, the water is clear and colorless and visually indistinguishable from tap water and ready for distribution. With proper management of the irrigation systems, no distinguishable odor should result from the use of this water.
Accepted federal and state uses of recycled water treated to this level include irrigating crops, parks, golf courses and other large turf locations. Recycled water also is acceptable for cooling towers, decorative fountains, concrete mixing, dust control and other industrial uses.
For more information on the treament process visit the web site for the Durango Hills Water Resource Center, call Public Information at (702) 258-3930 or contact us.
|
