Recycling sewage into drinking water could save San Diego millions

June 4, 2012
By Kerri Jansen

The city of San Diego could save hundreds of millions of dollars by recycling sewage into drinking water, according to a study given to the city in late May.

The study recommends building new treatment plants in the communities of Point Loma, University City and the South Bay, the North County Times reported. The project would reduce the cost of upgrading the existing Point Loma sewage treatment plant and spare the city the cost of importing water.

San Diego is considering purchasing its water from a new desalination plant to be built off the coast, according to the article. The study sets the cost of sewage treated to drinking water standards at about half the cost of water from the proposed desalination plant.

Treated sewage could supply about 20% of the region's water use, according to the study.

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