The Santa Rosa Subregional Water Reuse Treatment System is one of the most advanced in the United States and is a model for other systems worldwide. The Laguna Wastewater Treatment Plant provides filtered, ultraviolet (UV) disinfected recycled water that meets or exceeds the highest level recognized in California water recycling regulations (Title 22).

Santa Rosa’s recycled water is approved and used for irrigation of parks and playgrounds, grapes, vegetables, and other food crops. Approximately 6,400 acres are currently irrigated with recycled water and there are plans to expand urban reuse sites. In some places it is used for fire suppression.

To ensure a consistent level of safety, recycled water is continually regulated, monitored and tested by the Laguna Environmental Laboratory, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Department of Public Health. 

This ensures water quality that far exceeds its intended use. In thousands of applications throughout the U.S., there has never been a documented illness from recycled water use that has been installed per regulations. Consistent inspections and strict regulations are also in place to ensure that the drinking and recycled water systems remain separate.