Clean Water Services Recycled Water Program
Start Date
3-16-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
3-16-2026 2:09 PM
Abstract
Water reuse is commonly pursued to augment supplies in water‑scarce regions, but it can also serve as an effective strategy for meeting regulatory water quality requirements and improving conditions in receiving waterbodies—even where water is not limited. Clean Water Services (CWS) is evaluating opportunities to expand its recycled water program from 1 MGD to 5 MGD and beyond, gaining key insights into how reuse can function as a water quality tool. In the Tualatin Basin, where water supplies rely entirely on seasonal rainfall and climate change threatens long‑term reliability, a resilient reuse program can diversify available water sources and support basin needs.
CWS has a long history of integrated water resource management, beginning with the nation’s first watershed‑based NPDES permit in 2004 and continuing with its 2020 Integrated Plan. A major component of this strategy is expanding recycled water use to address emerging water quality challenges in the Tualatin River, particularly thermal load reduction. The expanded program also supports multiple objectives, including wetland and natural area restoration, drinking water conservation, environmental protection, education, and climate resilience.
Implementing non‑traditional beneficial uses requires navigating regulatory challenges, such as establishing agronomic application rates for native plant communities. The Thomas Dairy project—a 23‑acre former dairy now undergoing wetland restoration using recycled water—serves as a model for larger upcoming sites totaling roughly 800 acres. These projects aim to restore wetland hydrology, enhance habitat, and support native seed and plant production while reducing potable water demand. CWS’ reuse program, originally developed to meet phosphorus limits, is now poised for a renewed and expanded role in watershed‑scale restoration and long‑term water quality improvement.
Subjects
Climate Change, Habitat restoration, Water quality
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Clean Water Services Recycled Water Program
Water reuse is commonly pursued to augment supplies in water‑scarce regions, but it can also serve as an effective strategy for meeting regulatory water quality requirements and improving conditions in receiving waterbodies—even where water is not limited. Clean Water Services (CWS) is evaluating opportunities to expand its recycled water program from 1 MGD to 5 MGD and beyond, gaining key insights into how reuse can function as a water quality tool. In the Tualatin Basin, where water supplies rely entirely on seasonal rainfall and climate change threatens long‑term reliability, a resilient reuse program can diversify available water sources and support basin needs.
CWS has a long history of integrated water resource management, beginning with the nation’s first watershed‑based NPDES permit in 2004 and continuing with its 2020 Integrated Plan. A major component of this strategy is expanding recycled water use to address emerging water quality challenges in the Tualatin River, particularly thermal load reduction. The expanded program also supports multiple objectives, including wetland and natural area restoration, drinking water conservation, environmental protection, education, and climate resilience.
Implementing non‑traditional beneficial uses requires navigating regulatory challenges, such as establishing agronomic application rates for native plant communities. The Thomas Dairy project—a 23‑acre former dairy now undergoing wetland restoration using recycled water—serves as a model for larger upcoming sites totaling roughly 800 acres. These projects aim to restore wetland hydrology, enhance habitat, and support native seed and plant production while reducing potable water demand. CWS’ reuse program, originally developed to meet phosphorus limits, is now poised for a renewed and expanded role in watershed‑scale restoration and long‑term water quality improvement.