Developing an effective effluent management strategy in the face of multiple drivers and stakeholder expectations

The City of San Buenaventura (City) embarked upon a series of Special Studies of the Santa Clara River Estuary to examine potential options for the management of tertiary treated municipal effluent from their reclamation facility. A water re-use component of these studies was initiated to provide an assessment of the urban, agricultural and groundwater reuse potential in the region. Based on stakeholder input, the study expanded in a second phase to evaluate options for increasing recycled water use, including: 1) new locations and technical feasibility for creating wetlands with reclaimed water, 2) urban irrigation opportunities, 3) groundwater recharge opportunities at existing and new recharge facilities, 4) agricultural reuse opportunities and requirements for desalting, and 5) decentralized treatment and 6) indirect and direct potable reuse. These alternatives were evaluated as to the economic costs and benefits, institutional and legal requirements, and potential environmental impacts. This study is aligned with the City's commitment to pursuing programs that promote economic, social and environmental sustainability.