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Water Reclamation

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1. What happens to the Town's wastewater after it is treated?

The Town disposes of approximately 350 million gallons through land discharge (irrigation of farm lands) and 300 million gallons through creek discharge, annually.

2. What is "reclaimed" or "recycled" water?

Reclaimed water, also referred to as recycled water, is municipal wastewater that has been cleaned and treated in order to remove pollutants and contaminants so that the water can be safely reused for a variety of uses. The California Department of Health Services has established the treatment standards and regulations regarding any reuse. Windsor treats its wastewater to tertiary recycled water standards (also referred to as advanced water treatment) which is the highest level of treatment defined by the State and allows for unrestricted reuse in virtually all reclaimed water applications. Examples of common recycled water reuse applications include: Any agricultural irrigation (food crops, vineyards, sod farms, Christmas tree farms, etc), ornamental plants, parks and playing fields, golf courses, cemeteries and recreational waterways for boating and swimming, cooling tower water, groundwater recharge and toilet flushing. Recycled water is an excellent substitute for drinking water in many applications especially in areas experiencing drinking water shortages due to droughts or limitations on supply.

3. Is recycled water safe?

Yes. Recycled water must meet stringent regulatory requirements monitored by the State
Department of Health Services and be treated to the State of California Title 22 standards for tertiary (advanced) treatment of water. It must also meet regional and local standards. Wastewater is treated to these rigid standards to ensure that public health and environmental quality are protected. The Town's recycled water is monitored and tested daily to ensure that it consistently meets these high quality standards.

4. How long has recycled water been in use?

Recycled water systems have been operating in California and throughout the nation since the early 1960’s. As Sonoma County and California water supplies are stretched, using recycled water for irrigation preserves drinking water supplies for people and fresh water for creeks, rivers and wetlands. Systems are continuously upgraded in response to treatment breakthroughs and research. Windsor’s Advanced Treatment facility was built in 1991. The facility has since been upgraded and expanded over the years to improve treatment, storage and reuse.

5. Where is recycled water used in Windsor?

Windsor currently provides recycled water for the irrigation of agricultural lands, parks and recreational facilities such as Windsor Golf Course, Windsor High School, the Town Green and Wilson Ranch Soccer Park. Recycled water is also used to water front and back yards in the Vintage Greens neighborhood. These applications save millions of gallons of fresh water each year. The use of recycled water will continue to expand both within and outside of the Town limits.

6. What is the Town doing to make sure the recycled water is always safe?

The recycled water quality is monitored by Town personnel daily to ensure that rigid water quality standards are continually met. Additional monitoring is done by local regulatory agencies. Water testing takes place throughout the treatment process. Water quality testing results are reported to, and monitored by, regulatory officials to ensure high quality standards are met.

7. How is recycled water treated?

Windsor has been operating its Advanced Water Treatment (tertiary) facility since 1991. The facility has since been upgraded twice in order to improve its processes and increase plant capacity. The latest technology is used for odor control equipment and disinfection throughout the facility.

8. Why is the Town's partnership in the Geysers beneficial?

See Brochure for full details. Geysers Brochure