Wastewater recycling is a win-win for people and the environment. It can remove the pollution that causes algae blooms, and reduce urban demand for fresh river water and drought-proof our water supply when California goes through dry spells. Every gallon of wastewater that’s recycled can increase the fresh water that remains in our rivers to protect fish, wildlife, and water quality.
Unfortunately, San Francisco currently recycles less than 1% of its wastewater—far behind Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California. San Francisco is also a water hog when it comes to taking water from the overburdened Tuolumne River. The city is even suing the state to stop it from restoring the river flows that would improve the health of the Bay and Delta.
That’s why Baykeeper worked with San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin to draft a resolution urging the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to invest in water recycling. Along with key partners this week, we testified before the Board in support of the resolution, which passed unanimously. We’ll continue to keep the pressure on city officials to implement water recycling, reduce its reliance on our rivers, and limit the wastewater pollution San Francisco adds to our Bay.
Photo: John Chacon, DWR
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