The Kleinfelder Blog

California’s commitment to water conservation and environmental sustainability has led to the revision of regulations governing Direct Potable Reuse (DPR), reflecting advancements in technology and a growing need for innovative solutions.

What is DPR?

DPR is the planned introduction of recycled water – directly into a public drinking water system, or into a raw water supply immediately upstream of a drinking water treatment plant.

What do the revisions mean?

The changes to DPR regulations will address key issues and mark a significant step forward in sustainable water management. And other states – including Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Arizona – are making similar efforts.

With these changes come new opportunities for California’s communities to enhance water resilience, including establishing criteria for introducing recycled water into public water systems and/or upstream of water treatment plants.

The updated regulations must undergo a final review by the Office of Administrative Law before being implemented (likely Summer or Fall 2024), and they will pave the way for municipalities to consider DPR as a viable and safe option for augmenting local water supplies.

How can Kleinfelder help?

Kleinfelder is a trusted advisor for recent updates to California’s regulations related to DPR.

We are ready to assist in navigating the changing landscape for both water and wastewater providers, and we understand that embracing DPR requires careful consideration of design, community outreach, and funding opportunities.

Here’s how we support:

• Design Expertise: Our team is made up of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in water/wastewater treatment processes and distribution systems. We are well-equipped to assess your specific needs, design customized DPR solutions, and ensure compliance with the updated regulations.
• Community Outreach: Successful implementation of DPR relies on effective communication with the community. We specialize in community outreach programs, helping you educate and engage residents, address concerns, and build public trust in the safety and reliability of DPR systems.
• Funding Opportunities: Securing funding for water infrastructure projects is a crucial aspect of implementation. Kleinfelder has a proven track record of identifying and securing funding opportunities, ensuring that your project is financially viable.
• Planning/Permitting: Kleinfelder has experienced engineers, planners, and technical staff that can guide water districts and utilities with their evaluations, monitoring, and implementation of DPR projects to support and achieve the introduction of alternatives to their existing water resources.