Date: 10/29/2015

Final
Direct Potable Water Reuse

WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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11:02 AM -- Direct Potable Water Reuse

Dave Takeda, President, of WateReuse Colorado Board of Trustees, explained how the draft Colorado Water Plan addresses water reuse as a method for meeting Colorado's growing water demand (Attachment C). He also discussed direct potable reuse (DPR) and how it differs from nonpotable reuse. He identified DPR projects in Texas and New Mexico and discussed the potential benefits of DPR including its drought resistance, energy saving, and infrastructure cost savings compared to other supply options.

Attachment C.pdfAttachment C.pdf

11:12 AM

John Rehring, At-Large Member of WateReuse Colorado Board of Trustees, identified potential challenges to increasing DPR including regulatory burdens and uncertainty, public perceptions, technical, and other issues. He also discussed current DPR projects in California and identified research concerning DPR alternatives.

11:26 AM

Mr. Rehring and Mr. Takeda responded to questions from the committee about the cost of water obtained from DPR and how it compares to new water diversions. They also discussed Colorado water law concerning water reuse. In general, only water that has been introduced into a basin, called foreign water, may be reused. Such waters include transbasin diversion and nontributary groundwater.