SAN DIEGO COUNCIL APPROVES RECYCLED WATER FOR DRINKING

East County News Service

November 18, 2014 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego’s City Council voted Tuesday to approve $3.5 billion to recycle water for drinking. The Pure Water project will include upgrading an aging water treatment plant in Point Loma to provide a dependable source of drinking water for the city during despite drought conditions.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer called the project an “investment in our future that will provide San Diego the reliable water supply we need for our economy to grow and our city to thrive.” The plan was also supported by environmental organizations.

Supporters say the plan will ultimately enable recycled, purified water to make up 30% of San Diego’s drinking water supply by 2035.  A multi-step process should result in water that is cleaner than current drinking water supplies.

Consumers may see rate increases to cover a portion of the cost, though much of the project will be covered by state and federal grant funding.