Credits: Social Media
California’s new toilet to tap plan will turn sewage into drinking water
The state of California is set to turn sewage into drinking water in a toilet to tap plan which has been ten years in the making.�
The mere idea of drinking sewage water is enough to turn anyone’s stomach, but California may have cracked it. The sewage system is a dank, dirty place, with God knows what running around and doing their business wherever they please. But thanks to the miracle of modern science, the new plan is reportedly very safe.�
The plan is a continuation of previous California water usage
While the idea of recycling sewage water might seem like something from a post-apocalyptic TV show, the state of California has actually been doing it for some time. Treated H2O was previously used for the ice rink of the Ontario Reign minor league hockey team. Its also been used to make snow at the Soda Springs Ski Resort and to water farmland in the Central Valley.�
In Orange County, wastewater is further used to refill underground aquifers. However, this is the first time that sewage will be used for drinking water.
A first for California, but another state has already done it
Earlier this week on December 19, officials approved the plans to turn sewage into clean drinking water. The only other state allowing it is Colorado.�
Water is so precious in California. It is important that we use it more than once, said WateReuse Californias Jennifer West.
As part of the rules, the water must be treated for all viruses and pathogens, even if they are not detected in the water. The process is so efficient that it strips the minerals from the water, meaning they have to be added back in at the end.�
Its at the same drinking water quality, and probably better in many instances, said the control boards Darrin Polhemus.
As reported by The Guardian, most people already drink water that was once part of the sewage system. Most treatment plants treat the water before allowing it to flow into rivers and down to the next settlement.�
Joaquin Esquivel, the chair of the state water resources control board, explained: Anyone out there taking drinking water downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge which, I promise you, youre all doing is already drinking toilet-to-tap.
All water is recycled. What we have here are standards, science and importantly monitoring that allow us to have the faith that it is pure water.
Twitter shares their thoughts�and brings Bill Gates into the mix
Social media users are divided on the recent ruling, with some arguing that its not really a massive change.
One person scathed: Bill Gates makes another billion, making us drink our foul waste.
Another added: Sounds like a half-decent idea. It should instead be used as water to flush toilets and put out fires.
Someone else countered: I thought this is already being done right now? Like all the sewage water is being treated then sending it back to the dams.
