Reclaimed Water Use For Toilet Flushing

The bill codifies rules promulgated by the water quality control commission (commission) of the Colorado department of public health and environment (department) concerning allowable uses of reclaimed domestic wastewater, which is wastewater that has been treated for subsequent reuses other than drinking water. Section 3 of the bill defines 3 categories of water quality standards for reclaimed domestic wastewater, sets forth the allowable uses for each water quality standard category, and adds toilet and urinal flushing in multifamily residential and nonresidential structures as allowable uses for reclaimed domestic wastewater. Section 3 also authorizes the commission to establish new categories of water quality standards and to recategorize any use of reclaimed domestic wastewater to a less stringent category of water quality standard. The commission may develop more stringent standards by rule if it determines that the existing standards and categories are not protective of public health and identifies a specific health risk posed by the use of reclaimed domestic wastewater under the existing standards. Section 3 also authorizes the water quality control division, after conducting a public stakeholders' process, to develop policy, guidance, or best management practices for use of reclaimed domestic wastewater. Finally, section 3 authorizes the division of administration in the department to grant variances for uses of reclaimed domestic wastewater. Section 5 authorizes the state plumbing board to promulgate rules governing the installation and inspection of toilet and urinal systems and structures for which reclaimed domestic wastewater is used. Section 6 appropriates $25,054 in the 2018-19 fiscal year from the general fund to the department for use by the water quality control division to implement the bill. Sections 1, 2, and 4 make conforming amendments.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More