Oregon DEQ: Water Quality - Water Reuse Program

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implements a statewide program that encourages water reuse (use of recycled water) in a manner to protect public health and the environment. The protection of Oregon's water is one of DEQ's highest priorities. A key action to help achieve this protection is the development of strategies that encourage water reuse.

Program Topics

Introduction
Encouraging water reuse is a key action identified to support DEQ’s Strategic Direction in protecting water quality. Program policy and implementation information provides an overview to the water reuse program.
Gray Water
Information on the reuse of water collected from showers, baths, sinks, and laundries.
Recycled Water
Information on the reuse of treated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Industrial Water
Information on the reuse of water collected from non-municipal sources.
Contacts
DEQ Water Quality contacts

Current News

Gray Water: On June 12, 2009, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed into law HB 2080A, which legalizes the use of gray water for beneficial purposes.
DEQ Internal Management Directive: Implementing Oregon's Recycled Water Rules - June 2009 PDF. Completed in June 2009, this document provides guidance to DEQ staff involved with the permitting of recycled water projects.
Information item on Water Reuse in Oregon presented at the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) meeting on June 18, 2009.