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Recycled Water Fill Station

The City has opened a Recycled Water Fill Station at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2251 Elkins Way for City of Brentwood utility customers (“customers”).  Recycled water is wastewater that has received extensive treatment in order to be used for many non-potable water uses such as landscape irrigation.  The use of recycled water for this purpose is a way for customers to help meet State mandated regulations to reduce potable water use.


Hours of Operation

In accordance with the latest Contra Costa Health Services requirements to minimize the spread of COVID-19, until further notice, the Public Works Corporation Yard will remain closed to the general public.  However, the Recycled Water Fill Station will open back up on June 8, 2020, in accordance with the latest Health Order.  Please be aware compliance with the Order's social distancing and face covering requirements will be monitored at the facility. 

Effective June 8, 2020:

Open: 7 days/week 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (through August 31st)

Closed:  All City-Observed Holidays 

Day of and day after rainfall (as mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board as a requirement of the City's Water Reclamation Permit). 

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Customers may bring containers (up to 300 gallons) to fill with recycled water and take for appropriate use.  To utilize this recycled water, customers will need to show their current utility bill, complete a short Application and receive a brief, one-time training on the regulated uses of recycled water.
Application:  Residential Recycled Water Use Application and Agreement
Training Program:  Recycled Water Fill Station Training Program


Recycled Water Fill Station Video:
 
Procedures for Residential Customers to Obtain Recycled Water
  1. During initial pickup of recycled water, an Application must be completed and a current utility bill presented to show proof of residency.  Staff will provide a brief, one-time training and perform a tank inspection with the residential customer.
  2. Customers will be given an “Approved User” Card and Recycled Water Notice stickers (provided by the City) to place on their containers used for transporting and storing recycled water.
  3. After initial pickup and training, customers will be able to pick up recycled water at the fill station during operating hours by showing their personal ID along with the City issued “Approved User” ID Card.
Container Guidelines
  • 300 gallons maximum of recycled water may be picked up per visit; Visits are unlimited. 
  • Consider maximum load capacity of vehicles (Vehicle Payload List).
    • Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon
    • 100 gallons = 834 pounds
    • Failure to comply with maximum load ratings set by the manufacturer will be the sole responsibility of the user.
  • Container(s) must have water-tight lids and shall not leak.
  • Secure container(s) for safe transport.
  • Container(s) shall not be used to carry potable water unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.    
  • Recycled Water Fill Station
    • Where can I purchase a container?

      Customers are using a variety of containers for hauling recycled water.  The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) has been operating its recycled water fill station since June 2014, and maintains a list of customer-provided sources for purchasing containers and pumps.  DSRSD has granted permission to the City of Brentwood to include this link on the City’s website.  Clicking on the following link will take you to this external resource:  Where to Purchase Containers

    • What is recycled water and is it safe?

      Recycled water is wastewater that has been processed through primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment, and a disinfection process. It meets strict standards of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Drinking Water.

    • How much will recycled water cost me?

      Recycled water is FREE from the Fill Station while the drought continues.

    • What can I use recycled water for?

      Based on SWRCB Title 22 requirements, the City’s recycled water can be used water your trees, gardens, vegetables, and lawns.

    • What is this recycled water NOT suitable for?
      • Drinking
      • Cooking or use in the kitchen
      • Bathing or showering
      • Filling swimming pools or spas
      • Children’s water toys
      • Plumbing it to the household domestic plumbing system
    • Why is recycled water not safe to drink? What happens if I drink it?

      Tertiary-treated recycled water is not approved for drinking. If you accidently drink recycled water, there is no need to panic. Should you experience any adverse symptoms or feel unwell, consult your doctor.

    • Can I water my plants with recycled water?

      Yes, all plants can be watered with recycled water. This includes edible plants such as fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. Just remember to wash all fruits, vegetables, and herbs with drinking water prior to consumption.

    • Do water-use restrictions (conservation) apply to recycled water?

      No. Water-use restrictions do not apply to recycled water. However, recycled water is a valuable resource and should not be wasted.

    • How much recycled water can I pick up at a time?

      • Maximum per load for residential use is 300 gallons.

      • Consider your vehicles maximum load capacity. Failure to comply with your vehicles maximum load ratings from the manufacturer will be the sole responsibility of the user.

    • What are the rules and regulations for residential use of recycled water?

      1. Only City of Brentwood residential utilitycustomers are eligible.

      2. Collection and storage containers shall have the City’s Recycled Water Notice Stickers placed on them to ensure everyone is aware recycled water is stored in the container and the water is not suitable for human consumption. The stickers will be made available to the users once their tank has been inspected at the Wastewater Treatment Plant during the initial site visit. 

      3. Recycled water shall not be placed in a storage container that is connected to the plumbed landscape irrigation system or the onsite drinking water supply.

      4. Recycled water shall not be discharged to the street gutter or storm drain system. If you have leftover recycled water and want to dispose of it, either discharge it to a landscaped area or to the sanitary sewer system via an onsite cleanout.

      5. Recycled water may not be used for irrigation purposes within 50 feet of a water supply well.

      6. Recycled water may not be pumped into a plumbed irrigation system. SWRCB Title 22 regulations require special reports and inspections from State regulators before a recycled water connection to a residential plumbing system can be allowed. This program does not allow for recycled water to be connected to a residential plumbing system.

      7. After working with recycled water, remember to apply hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and domestic drinking water, especially before eating or smoking.

      8. Do not DRINK recycled water or use it for food preparation.

      9. Take precautions to avoid contact with food while using recycled water.

      10. Wash vegetables with domestic water prior to eating or cooking (the majority of the vegetables in the grocery stores are irrigated with recycled water).

      11. No one shall play with or drink recycled water.

      12. The City may conduct site visits to ensure your proper use of recycled water and to ensure the health and safety of your family and the public.