Support use of reclaimed water in place of fresh water Reclaimed water comes from wastewater that has been cleaned to the Washington Departments' of Ecology and Health Class A standards and can be used for just about anything except drinking. Instead of sending this resource to Puget Sound, recycled water can replace fresh water for landscaping and agricultural irrigation, industrial processing, and city uses such as street sweeping. Reclaimed water is available even during dry summer months or when a drought strains other water resources.
So, what's with all these different types of water?We know it can be confusing so here are some definitions to make things easier. Fresh water: Fresh water is naturally occurring, has almost no salt, and is used by every land animal for drinking. Fresh water exists on the surface in lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands but it also exists in large underground aquifers. Sometimes the fresh water found in aquifers is also called groundwater. Drinking water: Before freshwater comes into our homes, it goes through a drinking water treatment plant for cleaning. Through the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA sets standards for drinking water and protects fresh water and ground water resources from pollution and contamination. This water is also called potable water. Grey water: is water that has been used in sinks, showers, and washing machines. This water is not clean but is still usable on plants, gardens, and lawns. Reclaimed water: is wastewater that has been cleaned to the Departments' of Ecology and Health Class A standards and can be used for just about anything except drinking. Stormwater: is rain water that falls on streets, yards, buildings and runs off in storm drains. Most of this water goes untreated to the Puget Sound. Some mixes into the sewer pipes and goes to treatment plants. Did you know: The type of water that is in your toilet, outdoor hoses, and fire hydrants is drinking water? What would be a better type of water for those uses? | 
