Recycled Water: Regulations and Guidance

Last Update: January 29, 2010

Compiliations of CDPH's recycled water regulations and related statutes are included in the Drinking Water Program's Law Book (click here). 

CDPH's draft regulations are presented below, along with guidance documents and other materials pertinent to water recycling. 

Draft Groundwater Recharge Reuse Regulations

We've developed Draft Groundwater Recharge Reuse Regulations (PDF) (last updated August 5, 2008) as part of the process of developing a final proposed version of the regulations.  The final proposed version will proceed through the formal regulation adoption process and will be subject to public review and comment as part of that process.  

More information is available here:

• A Summary of Differences Between the January 2007 and August 2008 Groundwater Recharge Draft Regulations (PDF) .
• This October 15, 2008 presentation (PDF) also describes the draft regulations.
• The draft regulations make mention of emerging contaminants, such as endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals and personal care products.  Click here for information on emerging contaminants and FAQ related to the draft regulations.  The FAQ will replace the draft regulations' Endnotes -- the Endnotes will not be part of the proposed regulations as they move into the formal process. 

Other Related Regulations

• Current Cross Connection regulations are included in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Revisions are being developed (PDF).
• CDPH is developing other drinking water-related regulations [check on their status here]. 

Guidance Documents

• Preparation of an Engineering Report for the Production, Distribution and Use of Recycled Water (PDF) — March 2001

• Analysis of Total Organic Carbon at Low Levels for Groundwater Recharge Reuse Projects (PDF)— April 2003

• Analysis and reporting of non-target compounds—including tentatively identified compounds (TICs)—for extremely impaired sources (PDF) and recycled water:  
  (1) Non-Target Volatile Organic Chemicals (PDF)- September 10, 2003 draft
  (2) Non-Target Semi-Volatile Organic Chemicals (PDF)- September 10, 2003 draft

Other Reports

• Treatment Technology Report for Recycled Water (PDF)