“It makes perfect sense, considering the potable water that is available for everyone’s tap, that is very high quality water,” said Glendale Water & Power Assistant General Manager Peter Kavounas. “It seems a shame to use it to wash down the street.”
The department is undergoing a pilot test where some retrofitted trucks are using recycled water, according to a city report. The testing has been successful, except for the lack of hydrants available for filling the trucks. The new hydrants at the maintenance yard will allow both departments to easily fill their trucks with recycled water, according to the report.
Kavounas said the project fits with the utility’s effort to increase the use of recycled water and other local sources, such as reused groundwater.
“The state is facing a significant challenge in its ability to convey water where it is needed,” he said. “This challenge is not short term. This challenges is going to be with us for a long time. We need to change the way we view the availability of water.”
While recycled water is not suitable for drinking, it is still highly treated and suitable for irrigation, maintenance and other uses, Kavounas said.
In addition to reducing the use of potable drinking water, the project also has a financial incentive since recycled water comes with a 25% discount to users.
Project manager Rosanna Lau said the new water line has already been designed, and construction should begin sometime next year. It is too early for construction cost estimates, she said.
