Maximizing Our Supplies with Recycling and Conservation Maximizing Our Supplies with Recycling and Conservation Because our water supply is limited, just as it is elsewhere in California, it's important for us to make the best use of it. Two ways that help us do that are water recycling and demand management. We substitute recycled water for potable water where possible and we manage the demand for water by encouraging efficient water use through various conservation programs. Recycled Water Since the early 1980s, we have pioneered the use of recycled water for non-agricultural purposes in northern California. Up to two million gallons a day are recycled and distributed in a separate pipeline system to more than 250 customers in northern San Rafael.
Recycled water is used for irrigation, toilet flushing and other non-drinking purposes.
MMWD was the first water supplier in California to use recycled water for car washes, air-conditioning cooling towers and commercial laundries. The water we recycle is wastewater that has been treated by the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. To recycle it, we filter it and treat it further at our recycled water treatment plant, meeting the most stringent standards in the United States. Our finished recycled water is crystal clear, odorless and free of harmful bacteria. It is similar in quality to swimming pool water.