AWWA SOURCES59194

Agricultural water reuse in California was reported to be nearly 180,000 acre-ft/yr in 1999 based on a survey of municipal water recycling. The process water is usually screened, but rarely needs treatment for reduction of BOD prior to irrigation. Three cities direct food process/rinse water directly to irrigation while operating the irrigation system, owning the land, and charging the industries for wastewater management. Food processing rinse water is being recycled for agricultural irrigation at a rate of approximately 30,000 acre-ft/yr, based on the central valley alone. Examples of agricultural water reuse of food process/rinse water are presented. Includes 5 references, tables.