**Why it matters:** The article discusses how California legislators have approved regulations for water companies to recycle sewage water for drinking purposes. This is significant because California frequently experiences droughts, and the recycling of waste water can help alleviate the strain on the state’s water supply.
**What they are saying:** The regulations will allow water companies to recycle toilet water, extensively treat it, and distribute it back to kitchen sinks. Jennifer West, managing director of WateReuse California, emphasizes the importance of using water more than once in a state where it is scarce. Darrin Polhemus, deputy director of the division of drinking water for the California Water Resources Control Board, suggests that the purified recycled water may taste better than traditional processed drinking water.
**The big picture:** California has been using recycled waste water for various purposes, such as irrigation and ice skating rinks, but not for kitchen faucets. The new regulations require waste water to be treated for all pathogens and viruses, even if none are detected. The development of these regulations took over a decade and underwent extensive scientific scrutiny.
**What to watch:** Public perception of waste water treatment may pose a challenge for water companies. To address concerns, a waste water treatment center in San Jose is offering tours to educate the public about the process. Water companies across California are preparing to implement waste water treatment, with plans to produce large quantities of treated waste water.
**My take:** The recycling of sewage water for drinking purposes can help mitigate the impact of droughts in California. While it may initially be difficult to overcome public perceptions, educating the public about the treatment process and the necessity of a drought-resistant water supply may alleviate concerns. The regulations mark a significant milestone in water reuse efforts in California.
