THE WATER J O U R NE Y:
WHERE D OES IT COME FROM AND WHERE D OES IT GO? This is the seventh in a series of articles intended to inform you, the
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Water Reclamation Facility is
water and sewer customer, about the journey water takes to reach
responsible for treating all of the wastewater (sewage) within
homes and businesses, and what happens to it when it goes down
the City, Cal Poly and the county airport. The facility treats
the drain or toilet. Along the way, we have highlighted some of the
4.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, 24 hours a day, 365
various activities in the Utilities Department. So far, we’ve learned
days a year. Operators, laboratory analysts and maintenance
about where your water comes from, the water treatment process,
technicians ensure that the facility is operated and maintained
how water is transported to your home or business, the customer
in the most efficient manner possible and complies with federal
assistance programs the Utilities Conservation section offers,
state and local discharge requirements.
and the importance of the Environmental Compliance section in protecting the wastewater system and the wastewater collection
The Water Reclamation Facility has very stringent discharge
operations. Now, we’ll move on to the Water Reclamation Facility.
requirements and produces high-quality recycled water that surpasses drinking water standards. Some of the water is
New Water Wise Businesses
used to irrigate parks, median strips, landscape and other appropriate uses. In our next Resource, the water journey will end when we look at the Water Recycling Program.
The following sites are now using recycled water for their landscape irrigation:
• Prefumo Creek Commons • Olive Garden • Hampton Inn & Suites We thank you for your commitment to the wise use of San Luis Obispo’s water resources!
The City of San Luis Obispo has a long history of treating wastewater. During the 1920s, the City constructed one of the first sewage treatment plants in the state and has continued to improve the facility over the years by increasing capacity and improving the quality of the water that is discharged into San Luis Obispo Creek. The City is committed to improving water quality in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:
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Working Around the House Water Rate Structure Study New Sewer Cap Improved Utility Billing | Rainy Season is Coming
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Summer 2012 Volume 16, Issue 3