The California State Water Resources Control Board has announced a public workshop and solicited public comments on a draft “Report to the Legislature on the Feasibility of Developing Uniform Water Recycling Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse.”

The report was prepared pursuant to Senate Bill 918, enacted in 2010, which defined the term “direct potable reuse” and directed the California Department of Public Health to investigate the feasibility of developing uniform water-recycling criteria for direct, potable reuse and provide a final report to the Legislature by Dec. 31.

In summary, the report concludes it is technically feasible to develop uniform water-recycling criteria for direct potable water reuse in California, and that those criteria could incorporate a level of public-health protection as good as or better than what is currently provided by conventional drinking-water supplies.

An expert panel, who reviewed the draft report, found that there is no need for more research to establish criteria for DPR, but provides six research recommendations that would enhance the understanding and acceptability of DPR and further ensure that  DPR is protective of public health.

The Southern California workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Headquarters, Room US1-102, 700 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles.

None of the local water districts have expressed any intent to attend the meeting, although Idyllwild Water is planning construction of a recycling facility. The water treated there will not be considered potable.

The Draft Report can be found on the Town Crier website at www.towncrier.com. Comments can be submitted to Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board, by email to commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov; or faxed to 916-341-5620; or mailed to Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board, State Water Resources Control Board, P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95812-0100.