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Durham County Engineering and Environmental

Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water tank

Benefits

Reclaimed water is a valuable resource that is becoming increasingly popular as cities and communities seek more sustainable solutions for their water needs. Reclaimed water, also known as recycled water, is wastewater that has been treated to a high quality, making it safe and suitable for non-potable uses such as irrigation, industrial processes, and even toilet flushing.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Water Conservation: Reclaimed water helps conserve potable water supplies by reducing the demand for freshwater. This is particularly important in areas that experience drought or water scarcity. Reclaimed water helps to create a sustainable water management system by reducing the need for new water resources and minimizing the impact of water usage on the environment.
  • Enhanced Water Quality: By diverting wastewater away from natural waterways, the nutrient load of these waterways can be reduced and the overall quality of these bodies of water can be improved.
  • Cost Savings: Reclaimed water can be significantly less expensive than potable water, especially for large-scale users such as golf courses, parks, and agricultural operations.

Acceptable Uses

When using reclaimed water, it's important to follow proper protocols to ensure its safe and effective use. Reclaimed water is not safe for human consumption and direct contact should be avoided.

Some of the acceptable uses include:

  • Landscape irrigation of residential lawns, golf courses, parks, landscape areas, and other public, industrial, or commercial grounds.
  • Decorative ponds and fountains that do not have a drain to surface waters. (The customer must display and maintain a permanent weatherproof sign on the water feature stating “RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK”).
  • General construction purposes such as soil compaction, dust control, or mixing concrete.
  • Street sweeping (not washing).
  • Sewer line flushing.

Bulk Distribution

Content The Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant offers an onsite location for bulk distribution of reclaimed water free of charge to qualified users. To ensure safe and proper usage, all customers and equipment operators must complete a Durham County Reclaimed Water training class and receive a certification card before accessing this complimentary service. For more information or to schedule a training session, please reach out to us at (919) 560-9033 or utilities@dconc.gov.