Introduction

Water reuse is the recycling of treated wastewater derived from domestic and industrial sources for beneficial purposes. The reuse of water for purposes such as irrigation as well as commercial and residential applications can be an environmentally sound way to manage wastewater, while conserving potable, surface water and groundwater supplies in Oregon.  DEQ currently provides regulatory oversight for three general types reuse water:

• Graywater means shower and bath waste water, bathroom sink water, kitchen sink wastewater, and laundry wastewater. Graywater does not mean toilet or garbage wastes or wastewater contaminated by soiled diapers.
• Recycled water means treated effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment system, which as a result of treatment is suitable for a direct beneficial purpose.
• Industrial wastewater is the treated effluent from an industrial process, manufacturing or business, or from the development or recovery of any natural resource.  An example of industrial water is agricultural process water derived from the processing of fruit, vegetables, or other food products.

In order to be approved by DEQ, all water reuse must be protective of public health and the environment as well as provide a resource value.

• Fact Sheet - Water Reuse: Using Our Water Wisely PDF
  General information on reclaimed water as a beneficial resource.
   
• Implementation of Senate Bill 820 PDF - Report of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Urban Water Reuse Task Force, December 2004
  A report to the Interim Senate Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature on the opportunities and barriers associated with wastewater reuse in urban areas.
   
• Governor's Executive Order No. EO 05-04: Water Reuse as an Integral Component of Economic Development, Water Conservation, and Environmental Sustainability in Oregon, March 2005 PDF
  An Executive Order signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski that orders and directs the state of Oregon to promote and improve policies and programs to encourage water reuse.
   
• Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) PDF
  Defines the responsibilities of certain state agencies for water reuse project approval, and describes other actions to be taken by agencies to promote water reuse.