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1. Does reclaimed water have to be disinfected?

Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-11-301 through 309 classifies reclaimed water into 5 class types A+, A, B+, B and C based on water quality standards for fecal coliforms. All reclaimed water classes except for Class C are required to be disinfected. Class C reclaimed water may be required to be disinfected if the water quality standards for fecal coliforms defined in AAC R18-11-307.B.2a or b cannot be met. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.

2. Can a reclaimed water storage lake or reservoir be uncovered?

A reclaimed water storage lake or reservoir is not required to be covered provided it is after the Point-of-Compliance (POC) defined by the Aquifer Protection Permit for the wastewater facility producing the reclaimed water. Typically the POC is on the discharge of a wastewater treatment plant. If the POC for a wastewater treatment plant is located downstream from the plant's onsite reclaimed water storage reservoir then the reservoir would have to be covered.

Reclaimed water lakes or storage reservoirs located within the distribution system or at reuse sites such as golf courses typically do not have to be covered as they usually are located downstream of the POC. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.

3. What are the identification requirements for pipes, valves and other equipment in reclaimed water service?

The minimum identification requirements are defined by Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-9-601 through 603 for pipeline or open conveyance of reclaimed water.

The color purple shall be used for identifying all valves and other equipment used for conveying reclaimed water. For pipelines the pipe must be marked on opposite sides with “Caution: Reclaimed Water Line” labeling in intervals of 3 feet or less.

Aboveground reclaimed water piping must be labeled per the preceding paragraph and colored purple or wrapped with durable purple tape. Underground piping must be identified with one of the following alternatives:
- The pipe must be labeled per the preceding paragraph and colored purple or wrapped with durable purple tape.
- Identification sleeving (pipe socks) made from an inert polyethylene plastic, 4 mils thick, purple in color with the words “Caution: Reclaimed Water Line” or similar wording printed in 1-1/2" high black lettering continuously along the entire length may be installed on the pipe.
- Identification tape made from inert polyethylene plastic, 4.0 mils thick and no less than 3" wide with the words “Caution: Reclaimed Water Line” or similar wording printed in 1-1/2" high black lettering continuously along the entire length may be installed parallel to the centerline and on top of the pipe. The identification tape must be installed continuously for the entire length of the pipe and be securely fastened with plastic adhesive tape banded around both the pipe and the identification tape at no more than 4-foot intervals.

For additional guidelines for installing reclaimed water piping and equipment, MAG participants should reference Section 616, "Uniform Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction" from the Maricopa Association of Government.

4. What are the signage requirements for reclaimed water facilities or reuse irrigation systems?

The signage requirements are defined by Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-9-704.H for reclaimed water reuse sites. Signage requirements vary depending on the Class of reclaimed water in use at a site. Classes A+ and A may be used at open access sites where access to reclaimed water by the general public is uncontrolled. Classes B+, B and C may be used at restricted access sites where access of the general public to areas served by reclaimed water is controlled.

All impoundments with open access including lakes, ponds, ornamental fountains, waterfalls, and other water features must be posted with signs regardless of the class of reclaimed water. The signage and notification requirements for other types reuse sites are identified in Table 1 of AAC R18-9-704.H. Signs must read “Caution: Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink” and display the international “do not drink” symbol. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.

5. Can backwash from the filter system on a storage lake or impoundment be discharged?

Backwash water from a filter system is considered to be wastewater and must be properly disposed. Proper disposal methods include sending the backwash water to a sewer system or using the backwash water for surface irrigation at the reuse site. A permit issued by the sewer utility company may be required to discharge the backwash water to the sewer system.

Backwash water may not be discharged to a drywell (for example, a storm water retention basin drywell) unless an Aquifer Protection Permit has been obtained from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality permitting such disposal. Other backwash water disposal alternatives will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.

6. Can reclaimed water be discharged to a dry well?

Reclaimed water shall not be discharged to a drywell (for example, a storm water retention basin drywell) unless an Aquifer Protection Permit has been obtained from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality permitting such disposal. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.

7. Can reclaimed water be discharged to the waters of the United States?

Reclaimed water, including reclaimed water mixed with surface water, ground water or rain water may not be discharged to the waters of the United States unless an AZPDES permit approving such a discharge has been obtained from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For more information, please email treatmentprogram@maricopa.gov.

8. What is the minimum thickness for reclaimed water storage lake liner?

The minimum thickness for a reclaimed water storage lake liner is 60 mils for a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner. Other liner thicknesses and material of construction may be considered if it can be demonstrated that the proposed liner will meet the best available demonstrated control technology (BADCT) requirements for Aquifer Protection Permits.

Liners are only required for lakes storing Class A, B and C reclaimed water. However, liners are usually installed on all storage lakes to minimize loss of reclaimed water from the lake due to percolation. For more information, please email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov.