As potable water supplies dwindle and the cost per gallon continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to use every drop wisely. One effective strategy for conserving drinking water is substituting it with non-potable alternatives—such as rainwater, air conditioning condensate, stormwater runoff, and treated wastewater (commonly called “recycled water”)—for applications like landscape irrigation. Initiatives like the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program have championed these alternative sources, while state and local regulations, along with rebate and incentive programs. These support projects focus on efficient water use.
Fresh water has long been taken for granted, like the air we breathe. We assume that clean, safe water will always be readily available when we turn on a faucet. Still, the reality is that only about one percent of the world’s water supply is suitable for human consumption. Recent intensifications in drought conditions—globally and here in the United States—make matters worse, as water shortages have become a pressing concern in places that once enjoyed abundant precipitation.
Against this backdrop, architects, landscape designers, and irrigation professionals have turned to non-potable water solutions to keep landscapes healthy without drawing on already-stressed drinking water supplies. Recycled water, which undergoes treatment to remove contaminants, is an increasingly common choice. However, the chemical composition of recycled water and the chemicals used to maintain and transport it can pose challenges for irrigation systems. These issues range from public safety and liability concerns to corrosion and premature wear of irrigation valves, rotors, and sprays.
In other words, while using recycled water solves one problem—the overuse of drinking water—it can create new ones if not planned for properly. This is why collaboration among irrigation equipment manufacturers, landscape professionals, policymakers, and water agencies is crucial. By working together, we can ensure that future landscapes thrive on non-potable water while minimizing any negative effects on irrigation system components and the environment.
Evolving Industry Standards
Over the past decade, governments, utilities, and green building organizations have intensified their efforts to preserve potable water. As a result, new mandates and emerging technologies focus on improving water use efficiency. This includes:
- Smart Irrigation Controllers
Modern irrigation controllers monitor soil moisture levels, local weather, and evapotranspiration rates. These “smart” systems automatically adjust watering schedules, ensuring landscapes get just the right amount of water while eliminating significant waste. - Drip and Micro-Irrigation
Many professionals are installing drip lines and micro-sprinklers instead of high-volume overhead sprinklers. These methods deliver water directly to a plant’s root zone, reducing evaporation and runoff and making non-potable water usage more precise and controlled. - Improved Filtration
Because recycled water often contains higher salts and minerals, reliable filtration and periodic system flushing have become indispensable. Several manufacturers now offer specialized filtration systems that handle non-potable water and its specific chemical characteristics. - Specialized Materials and Coatings
Irrigation products continue to evolve, with manufacturers developing valves, rotors, and sprays made from materials resistant to corrosion and buildup caused by chemicals in recycled water lines. These components can withstand the unique chemical environment of non-potable water, prolonging system life and improving reliability
Why Use Recycled Water?
- Conserving Potable Water
By matching water quality with water use, recycled water helps preserve high-quality groundwater for the purposes where it’s truly needed—like drinking and bathing. - Cost Savings
In many regions, recycled water rates remain lower than local drinking water rates. This can result in substantial savings over time, especially for large commercial or municipal properties with extensive landscaping. - Future-Proofing Community Needs
Ensuring that non-potable water can be used safely and efficiently benefits entire communities. As demand grows, employing recycled water becomes an integral part of long-term water resource planning.
Looking Ahead
Non-potable water use, driven by tightening regulations and shifting societal expectations, is more than a short-lived trend. It’s a cornerstone of sustainable water management in an era of climate change and frequent droughts. As these initiatives expand, irrigation manufacturers and industry professionals will continue to develop and refine advanced products capable of handling the chemical complexities of recycled water.
Ultimately, collaboration between policymakers, water agencies, irrigation professionals, and manufacturers will determine how effectively we can meet our water needs without sacrificing our landscapes or the environment. By embracing specialized equipment and following best practices, we can harness recycled water’s full potential while safeguarding our communities and ecosystems for years to come.