About Wastewater
Wastewater is all used water from domestic households, commercial facilities, industrial institutions, agriculture activities such as irrigation, urban surface runoff and stormwater. Wastewater is also called effluent. Two common types of wastewater from homes include blackwater and graywater. Blackwater is more hazardous because it has higher levels of contaminants than graywater and requires more advanced treatment. Blackwater comes from kitchen sinks, dishwashing machines and toilets. Blackwater can also come from photo lab sinks and laundry water from soiled diaper. Graywater includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from activities in the home such as bathtubs, showers, wash basins, washing machines, and laundry tubs.
About Recycled Water
Recycled water (also called reclaimed water) is wastewater that enters a municipal wastewater sewer system and is distributed to an advanced water treatment facility. At this facility the water is treated under California Code of Regulation Title 22 and re-distributed for approved non-potable uses (non drinking water uses). This includes using water for irrigation and dual-used plumbed buildings for toilet & urinal flushing. Use of this water requires the approval of the County Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
What We Do
Fresh water is a limited resource, especially in California. One way to make our fresh water supply last longer is by treating and reusing wastewater for specific regulated activities. There are many regulations and requirements for each step of this process. Several programs regulate this process.
The Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program of the Environmental Health Division reviews and approves onsite wastewater treatment systems. This is done to protect groundwater sources from contamination. Click the link below to learn more. The Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program also reviews and approves OWTS under the provisions of the LAMP to residents of unincorporated county areas and contracted cities.
The Cross Connections Program of the Environmental Health Division is responsible for the oversight of recycled water re-use sites from the planning stage through final approval. The program approves Title 22 recycled water projects in Los Angeles County.
To search public records for your property or septic system, click the link below.
To learn more about requirements for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems and private water wells when re-building a replacement dwelling following a fire or other natural disaster, select the following options: