Eight Steps to Using Recycled Water

1. Conduct Site Assessment
   Water Department cross-connection staff will, upon customer request, evaluate site assessment and provide a checklist of requirements that need to be met in order for the property to accept recycled water.
   
   
2. Prepare Design Drawings
   Customer or qualified representative will prepare design drawings to retrofit the site according to City, County and State health regulations. For recycled water use in cooling towers, and Engineering Report prepared by a civil engineer or mechanical engineer is required.
   
   
3. Design Review and Plan Check
   Customer authorized representative submits design drawings to the City and County for review and pays the appropriate plan check fees. A conceptual drawing of the customer’s site is required for approval by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
   
   
4. Retrofit Property
   Customer or qualified representative (i.e. landscape contractor) performs retrofit work on site.
   
   
5. Test System
   Customer pays cross connection test fee upon completion of retrofit work. The customer's contractor shall meet with DEH and the City's Cross Connection Control Staff. Staff will perform the cross connection control test for final approval by DEH.
   
   
6. Sign User Agreement
   Customer Signs User Agreement to comply with the Rules and Regulations for Recycled Water Use.
   
   
7. Meter/Service Installation
   City calculates fees for the cross connection control test and determines appropriate size meter. Once the customer pays the fees, the City will process a work order and schedule installation. An annual inspection or four year cross connection control test will be required by the City and County of San Diego.
   
   
8. Train Staff and Initiate Service
   Customer or authorized representative attends a one day Recycled Water Certification Workshop sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority. Service begins and customer enjoys the benefits and cost savings of using recycled water.

If you are interested in learning more about recycled water, please e-mail us at water@sandiego.gov.