Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
California regulators have created a formal permitting pathway for utilities that want to produce drinking water directly from treated wastewater.
The state’s new direct potable reuse rules function as an optional tool — giving agencies regulatory certainty after years of pilot projects, research partnerships, and case-by-case approvals.
“When it came to the direct potable reuse regulations… water agencies wanted these regulations so as to have certainty in their permitting path for their projects,” says Joaquin Esquivel of the California State Water Resources Control Board.
The shift moves potable reuse from demonstration to deployable supply.
Episode at bit.ly/CAreuseJoaquin
The Golden State of Reuse is a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California.
The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California.
CDM Smith is the lead sponsor. Learn how their experts are driving innovation at cdmsmith.com/reuse
The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit waterloop.org
Subscribe to catch every video: youtube.com/@waterloop
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to waterloop:
🎧 Spotify:bit.ly/waterloopSpotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts:bit.ly/waterloopApple
🎧 YouTube Podcasts:bit.ly/waterloopYouTubePod
Follow waterloop for more stories on water sustainability:
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🔹 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/thewaterloop
#DirectPotableReuse #CaliforniaWater #WaterReuse #RecycledWater #WaterPolicy #DrinkingWater #WaterInfrastructure #Wastewater #DroughtResilience #WaterRegulation
California regulators have created a formal permitting pathway for utilities that want to produce drinking water directly from treated wastewater.
The state’s new direct potable reuse rules function as an optional tool — giving agencies regulatory certainty after years of pilot projects, research partnerships, and case-by-case approvals.
“When it came to the direct potable reuse regulations… water agencies wanted these regulations so as to have certainty in their permitting path for their projects,” says Joaquin Esquivel of the California State Water Resources Control Board.
The shift moves potable reuse from demonstration to deployable supply.
Episode at bit.ly/CAreuseJoaquin
The Golden State of Reuse is a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California.
The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California.
CDM Smith is the lead sponsor. Learn how their experts are driving innovation at cdmsmith.com/reuse
The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit waterloop.org
Subscribe to catch every video: youtube.com/@waterloop
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to waterloop:
🎧 Spotify:bit.ly/waterloopSpotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts:bit.ly/waterloopApple
🎧 YouTube Podcasts:bit.ly/waterloopYouTubePod
Follow waterloop for more stories on water sustainability:
🔹 Instagram:instagram.com/the_waterloop
🔹 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/thewaterloop
#DirectPotableReuse #CaliforniaWater #WaterReuse #RecycledWater #WaterPolicy #DrinkingWater #WaterInfrastructure #Wastewater #DroughtResilience #WaterRegulation
