Current and planned usage of recycled water includes irrigation of a wide variety of crops and ornamental landscapes, wildlife and fisheries enhancement, industrial supply, groundwater recharge and many more innovative and creative applications. The recent surge in recycling activity can be attributed to improvements in technology, strong public acceptance, and recognition of the economic, social and environmental benefits of recycling. The California Legislature has played a critical role in improving the climate for water recycling. Since 1990, the Legislature has enacted 40 statutes that address the development of reclaimed water and establish policies to encourage its use. For many communities, an investment in recycled water solves many problems simultaneously such as solving a difficult water pollution control problem or forestalling a severe water shortage.
Seawater has many advantages as an alternate, non-traditional source for coastal areas.
These include freedom from droughts, virtual elimination of water rights controversies and the fact that the sea is an infinite reservoir close to the population needing water. In 1998, seawater became an even more attractive source because the cost of providing fresh water from the sea has come down dramatically in the past decade, driven by reductions in the cost of energy and dramatic improvements in the effectiveness of reverse osmosis membranes. This approach was used in the U.S. in 1990 in the City of Santa Barbara and, is increasingly being used throughout the world. It has the advantage of fostering the widest form of economic competition and guarantees that specified quality and quantity of treated water will be delivered over a typical 20-30 year contract life. In this closing panel, leaders representing industry, government and academia will reflect upon and synthesize the day's discussions, as well as, join with members of or audience and assess the continuation of this Water Dialogue with future water Symposia.