HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.A Document Received After Agenda Distribution 1 04/27/2015120 West Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
To: Petaluma City Council
From: Jim Soules
CC: Curt Bates (via email today)
Date: April 27, 2015
Re: Water Conservation & On -Site TREATED Gray Water Technology
I've reviewed the 4-27 Drought Emergency presentation — very impressive. I
would like to add an "in the near future "More Effective" measure - On-site
Treated Nonpotable Gray Water Systems. This technology TREATS gray water
onsite for nonpotable reuse such as standard drip and special sprayer head
landscape irrigation. This technology uses certified, manufactured, small, robust,
low -maintenance package plants and has been common in Australia and Europe for
10 years. These systems typically treat water from dwellings, dormitories and
hotels with landscaping. The approach addresses areas where mains for
municipally treated recycled water are unlikely to be extended for many years.
And in Governor Brown's April 1, 2105 Executive Order B-29-15, Section 17,
Invest in New Technologies", directs the implementation of a Water Energy
Technology program that includes "integrated onsite reuse systems". This is an
opportunity for Petaluma to be a leader. A simple first step for California and
Petaluma would be to support pilot projects and require new buildings to separate
plumb black and gray water — Arizona requires this now for all new buildings.
In order to insure this technology is used safely and appropriately NSF
International (NSF) has developed NSF/ANSI Standard 350 to test and certify
equipment in the USA for small scale (<1,500 gpd) "On-site Treated Nonpotable
Gray Water Systems. NSF/ANSI Standard 350 also established water quality
standards the equipment must continue to maintain. Just recently NSF certified
two systems. Manufacturers, regulators and consumers look to NSF to develop
public health standards and certifications that help protect food, water, consumer
products and the environment. As an independent, accredited organization, they
test, audit and certify products and systems as well as provide education and risk
management. -ti
The two currently NSF/ANSI 350 certified systems are:
BioBarrier manufactured by BioMicrobics
NexTreater manufactured by NexusEWater
I emphasize here the word — TREATED. These systems, with sophisticated
technology and safeguards, TREAT gray water (all but toilet & kitchen sink) to a
water quality determined by NSF to be safe for landscape irrigation and toilet
flushing. These systems should not be confused with crude untreated gray water
diversion devices that require only subsurface reuse and no storage.
And recognizing this emerging technology the 2013 California Plumbing Code,
Section 1604.0 permits On -Site Treated Nonpotable Gray Water Systems for not
only landscape irrigation but also for toilet flushing. CPC Section 1604.0 refers to
CPC Section 1601.7 which states "In the absence of water quality requirements for
on-site nonpotable treated gray water systems, the requirements of NSF 350 shall
apply". So it is time to become familiar with NSF/ANSI 350 —1 have copies.
FYI — I have followed onsite treatment since I was a marketing consultant to an
Australian manufacturer in 2009, which manufacturer decided not to attempt the
US market because of lack of regulatory support. Fin aware of pending state
legislation to amend Title 22 to better support this new equipment. I also believe it
will take a paradigm shift to treat wastewater like a resource —just like we now do
with solid waste. In Australia private onsite treatment is regulated the same as
private domestic water wells.