Benefits of Recycled Water
About the System | Benefits
of Recycled Water | FAQ
Although South Bay residents are used to conserving
water during droughts, many people still believe that water will always
be plentiful. In reality, increased populations, greater statewide demand
and a stronger emphasis on environmental protection in California means
that our future water supplies will be limited.
By the year 2020, the Santa Clara Valley Water District
predicts that the South Bay could have severe water shortages during a
drought, without additional water supplies. In an average year, fifty
percent of Santa Clara Valley's water is imported from the Sierra Nevada
Mountain range via the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. This imported
water supply is not available during all years for our local residents
and businesses, especially in the near future and during drought periods.
This fact threatens the South Bay's economic and environmental vitality,
which depend on having enough water to meet demands.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District is constantly
planning how to conserve the water we have, and forecasting future demands.
But even conservation may not provide enough. Recycled water is a significant
component in the District's strategy to satisfy the water needs of the
South Bay.
Water recycling has numerous benefits including:
- Conservation of drinking water supplies
- Less dependency on imported water
- Preservation of saltwater marshland habitats
- Development of a new water supply with a locally controlled reliable
source
- Environmentally beneficial - same concept as recycling bottles, cans
and paper
- Provides a drought-proof water supply
- Allows continued economic vitality for the region
|
