Western States Lag in Wastewater recycling Amid Drought Crisis
Apr 26, 2025
As the Colorado River Basin faces unprecedented drought conditions, a new report reveals a stark disparity in how western states are addressing water scarcity. While water recycling technology offers a viable solution, many states are failing to fully embrace wastewater reuse, exacerbating the crisis.A recent report by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Council for the Defense of Natural Resources highlights the critical need for increased investment and adoption of water recycling technologies across the region.
The untapped Potential of Wastewater Recycling
The report focuses on the seven Western states that rely on the Colorado River: Arizona,California,Colorado,Nevada,New mexico,Utah,and Wyoming. These states, facing both dwindling water supplies and booming populations, are locked in competition for access to the river. The study reveals that, collectively, they recycle only a quarter of their water.
“In general, we are not doing enough to develop wastewater recycling in the seven states that are part of the Colorado River basin,” said Noah Garrison, a water researcher at UCLA and co-author of the report. “We will have a deficit of between 2 and 4 million acre-feet a year in the amount of water we promised to supply the Colorado River.” An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with one foot of water, equivalent to 325,851 gallons (1,234,000 liters).
The report estimates that if all states, excluding leaders Nevada and Arizona, increased wastewater reuse by 50%, water availability would increase by 1.3 million acre-feet per year. this underscores the meaningful potential of wastewater recycling to alleviate water shortages.
State-by-State Disparities in Water Reuse
the UCLA report exposes significant differences in water recycling efforts among the Colorado River basin states:
| State | Percentage of Water Recycled |
|---|---|
| Nevada | 85% |
| arizona | 52% |
| California | 22% |
| New Mexico | 18% |
| Colorado | <4% |
| Wyoming | <4% |
| Utah | Virtually None |
Nevada leads the way, reusing 85% of its wastewater. arizona follows with 52%.However, states like California (22%), New Mexico (18%), Colorado, and Wyoming (less than 4%) lag considerably behind. Utah recycles practically none of its wastewater.
Addressing the “Yuck Factor” and Ensuring Water Safety
One of the biggest hurdles to widespread water recycling is public perception. The idea of drinking “toilet to tap” water can be off-putting, despite the advanced purification technologies used. Though, experts emphasize that properly treated recycled water is safe and frequently enough purer than traditional water sources.
“If you drank recycled toilet water inadequately, you could suffer serious damage, but probably not the way you imagine,” the report notes. “Advanced purification technology so thoroughly eliminates feces and other contaminants from wastewater that also eliminates natural minerals, which the treatment plant must return. If not, that purified water would endanger you by absorbing those minerals of your body when passing through your internal ‘pipes’.”
Modern wastewater treatment plants employ multiple stages of purification, including filtration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection with ultraviolet light and ozone. These processes remove pathogens, chemicals, and other contaminants, producing water that meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.
The Cost of Water Recycling Infrastructure
While the technology is proven, the cost of building and maintaining wastewater treatment plants can be a barrier. “It is indeed a expensive initiative, and we really need states and the federal government to develop new sources of financing or income to develop wastewater treatment,” said Garrison. “It is indeed a permanent and easily accessible water supply.”
The process of purifying wastewater to drinking water standards is energy-intensive, requiring significant electricity to power pumps and filtration systems. However, some water agencies are exploring alternative approaches, such as using natural filtration through aquifers, which can reduce energy costs.
Decentralized Water Recycling Solutions
Beyond large-scale municipal plants, smaller, decentralized systems are emerging as a viable option for water recycling. Epic Cleantec, a San Francisco-based company, manufactures miniature treatment plants that can be installed in high-rise buildings. These systems recycle water for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and irrigation.
According to Epic Cleantec, these systems can recycle up to 95% of a building’s water and can be operational in a matter of months, offering a faster and more flexible solution than building a new municipal plant. “As with energy,where it is indeed not just about solar energy on roof and large energy plants,it is the combination of both,creating a more resilient system,” said aaron Tartakovsky,executive director and co-founder of Epic Cleantec. “To use a word game with water, I think ther is a lot of non-exploit potential.”
These decentralized systems can complement municipal plants, creating a distributed wastewater recycling network that enhances water resilience.
The Urgency of Addressing water Scarcity
“It truly seems astounding that people do not recognize that the answer is: there will be no more water,” said John Helly, a researcher at the Oceanography Scripps Institute. “We have been carried away by complacency about the criticality of water and people are just beginning to understand that this is a serious problem.”
The Colorado River Basin is facing a severe water deficit, and experts warn that current water management practices are unsustainable. The states must redouble their efforts to conserve water,reduce demand,and invest in alternative water sources like wastewater recycling.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority, for example, “offers cash reimbursements to the owners to replace their Céspedes, who require a lot of water, with natural gardens, feeding them with native plants that thrive without sprinklers.” These types of programs are essential for reducing water consumption and promoting water-wise landscaping.
Counterargument: Is Recycled water Truly Safe?
While the overwhelming scientific consensus confirms the safety of properly treated recycled water, some concerns persist regarding potential long-term health effects. Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants may still be present in recycled water, even after treatment.However, studies have shown that these levels are typically far below those considered harmful, and ongoing research is focused on developing even more advanced treatment technologies to remove these substances entirely.
Furthermore, independent monitoring and strict regulatory oversight are in place to ensure that recycled water meets all applicable safety standards.public health agencies regularly test recycled water for a wide range of contaminants, and treatment plants are required to implement rigorous quality control measures.
FAQ: Wastewater Recycling
- Is recycled water safe to drink?
- Yes, when treated properly using advanced purification technologies, recycled water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.
- What are the benefits of wastewater recycling?
- Wastewater recycling helps conserve water resources, reduces reliance on freshwater sources, and can be more drought-resistant than traditional water supplies.
- How is wastewater treated to make it safe for reuse?
- Wastewater treatment involves multiple stages, including filtration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection with UV light and ozone, to remove contaminants and pathogens.
- Is wastewater recycling expensive?
- The initial investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure can be significant,but the long-term benefits of water conservation and drought resilience can outweigh the costs.
- What can I do to support wastewater recycling efforts?
- Conserve water at home, support local water recycling projects, and educate others about the benefits of wastewater reuse.
