Water DevelopmentWater DevelopmentScience or Politics ?Science or Politics ?

Maybe BOTHMaybe BOTH

Frank JaegerFrank JaegerDistrict Manager

Parker Water & Sanitation District

July 28th 2004

Rueter-Hess Reservoir…Rueter-Hess Reservoir…If you build it…If you build it…

• Rueter-Hess Reservoir – The will of the People said we need water storage.

• This charged science to find a way to do it.

Water Re-UseWater Re-Use

• Using reclaimed water is a viable addition to water supplies.

• Science has shown re-use can be done safely and economically.

• However…the will of politics will have to change in order for the People’s view to adapt.

Widespread Unplanned Widespread Unplanned Indirect ReuseIndirect Reuse

• Many effluent influenced sources are used in Colorado and the nation as municipal supply without advanced treatment!

Lack of Guidance or Lack of Guidance or Regulations for Potable Regulations for Potable

Reuse Reuse • Colorado Department of Public

Health and Environment has no guidelines for potable reuse.

• EPA - Outdated “Guidelines for Water Reuse” Sep. 1992 – No Regulations at Federal Level

• California is National Leader for Coastal Reuse, but does not deal with inland systems.

Public PerceptionPublic Perception• Toilet to Tap is a

tough sell. • Educating and

involving the public will be a necessity to gain support

• Progressive and open approach will be guidelines

Parker Water & Sanitation Parker Water & Sanitation DistrictDistrict

• PWSD is committed to providing water to a rapidly growing community which currently has limited resources.

• Water storage and indirect reuse will enable continued supplies

• Water quality and supply are our objectives.

ConclusionConclusion• Politics vs. Science