The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to study increasing reclaimed water for non-drinking purposes.

Reclaimed water is highly treated, filtered and disinfected wastewater that can replace or supplement groundwater supplies.  Common uses for reclaimed water include irrigation, wetlands restoration, aquifer recharge, vehicle washing, air conditioning cooling towers, and other industrial uses.

“Water agencies across Southern California are facing significant challenges in their efforts to acquire water,” said Antonovich.  “These issues include environmental concerns, increasing costs to transport water from outside the region, groundwater contamination, and compliance with Federal and State mandates regarding water quality.”

The motion directs the Chief Executive Office and the Director of Public Works to investigate on the feasibility of a comprehensive reclaimed water strategy and a report back to the Board of Supervisors in two weeks.