Wendy Steffensen
LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Jeff Hansen
HDR Engineering, Inc
Shane McDonald
HDR Engineering, Inc
Gretchen Bruce
Intertox
Kate McPeek
Windward Environmental
LOTT Clean Water Alliance conducted the Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study to answer the question: What are the risks from infiltrating reclaimed water into groundwater because of chemicals that may remain in the water from products people use every day, and what can be done to reduce those risks?
To answer this question, LOTT undertook a scientifically rigorous multi-year study, with multiple layers of input and oversight, including a Community Advisory Group, a Science Task Force of local experts, and an independent third party Peer Review Panel.
The study included water quality characterization, a tracer test and modeling, human and ecological risk assessments, and a cost-benefit analysis.
Results of the study showed that some residual chemicals from reclaimed water remain in groundwater where they can come into contact with people and wildlife.
Of the 134 residual chemicals tested, only two presented a slight risk for human health, when ingested at near maximum levels.
These findings indicate that LOTT’s current level of treatment results in a risk level that is very low. The Peer Review Panel agreed that the potential risks from infiltrating LOTT’s reclaimed water into groundwater are low and that the water is safe.
LOTT plans to continue infiltrating reclaimed water and monitoring residual chemicals, while also tracking related research and regulations. Study results will inform long term planning for reclaimed water treatment and use.