Health Aspects of Water Reuse in California

The activities of the State of California Department of Health pertaining to wastewater reclamation and reuse are considered. The historical sequence of regulation development in California and the rationale for specific policies and standards deemed necessary to assure public health protection are described, as is the current status of reuse in terms of numbers of wastewater reclamation facilities, types of reuse, and quantities of wastewater reused. Also, a relatively poor record of sewage treatment plant reliability is documented. The potential for human illness or disease from chemical and biological contaminants associated with wastewater reclamation is presented, both from the standpoint of water quality and operational procedures. The health risks associated with direct reuse for potable purposes are presented, with emphasis on treatment, reliability, and potential chronic health effects attributable to trace organic constituents.