News Summary
San Diego is exploring a shift to direct potable reuse (DPR) for its Phase Two of the Pure Water project. This method could save billions and reduce water bills by pumping purified wastewater directly into the water system. Recent conservation efforts have decreased water demand, prompting city officials to evaluate the project’s scale. As costs for water and wastewater services rise, the city aims to balance effective water management with community affordability.
San Diego is evaluating a potential shift in its Phase Two of the Pure Water sewage recycling project to incorporate a more efficient purification method known as direct potable reuse (DPR). This change could result in savings of billions of dollars and mitigate expected increases in local sewer and water bills.
The DPR method enables purified wastewater to be directly pumped into the water system, thereby eliminating the need for extended storage in reservoirs or underground basins. This innovative approach comes following California’s recent relaxation of its purification regulations, prompting San Diego officials to reconsider Phase Two of the Pure Water project.
Due to effective conservation efforts, local water demand has notably decreased, opening the door to a potentially smaller project than originally envisioned for Phase Two. City officials are expressing concerns regarding the financial burden that high costs associated with this phase may place on residents, potentially resulting in unaffordable water bills.
To determine the feasibility of the DPR method as a more cost-effective solution for the production of purified water from sewage, the city has enlisted a consultant for evaluation. Notably, San Diego is pioneering this exploration in California by being the first water agency to investigate DPR and is collaborating with state officials to navigate local challenges related to its implementation.
One complexity involves seasonal variations in water demand. During low-demand winter months, the city may experience surpluses that necessitate additional storage solutions. San Diego is cognizant of the possible public apprehension regarding the DPR method, with concerns often referred to as the “ick” factor, echoing past discussions surrounding the Pure Water initiative, labeled “toilet-to-tap.” However, public awareness and acceptance of treated sewage water have improved significantly over the last two decades.
The ongoing review of the project has brought attention to the scale of Phase One and how it interacts with Phase Two, particularly with regard to any additional storage requirements that may arise. Currently, Phase One of the Pure Water program is designed to produce 30 million gallons per day, while the anticipated contributions from Phase Two would add an additional 53 million gallons, resulting in a total of 83 million gallons per day by 2035.
There are continuous assessments to determine whether the originally approved capacity remains relevant given the recent changes in water demand. Plans include the construction of a purification plant on a 17-acre site located in Mission Valley, adjacent to Snapdragon Stadium.
As financial pressures mount, increased water and wastewater rates are expected and could rise by over 60% and 30%, respectively, in the upcoming years. Factors contributing to these anticipated rate hikes involve rising water procurement costs, the necessity for repairing aging infrastructure, and an increase in operational costs.
These rising costs will also affect the San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego’s largest customer, as it navigates the implications of Pure Water on water supply limitations. The San Diego city council is set to discuss the proposed rate increases, which could lead to significant monthly hikes by 2029.
In conclusion, San Diego is at a pivotal juncture as it examines the potential benefits of switching to DPR for Phase Two of the Pure Water project. The exploration of this innovative method reflects the city’s commitment to addressing current water demands while also managing costs effectively for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: New Way to Turn Sewage into Drinking Water
- Wikipedia: Water Recycling
- NBC San Diego: Bay Park Overnight Construction Water Project
- Google Search: Bay Park Construction
- CBS 8: Progress on Genesee Avenue Construction in University City
- Google Scholar: Water Management in San Diego
- Fox 5 San Diego: Bay Park Residents Upset Over Ongoing Overnight Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Reuse
- GlobeNewswire: Parsons Continues to Drive Success for San Diego Pure Water Program
- Google News: San Diego Water Projects
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
