Water reuse is a longstanding program for DEQ and the state of Oregon. Since 1990, it has grown at the direction of the Oregon Legislature.
1990: DEQ established rules for recycled water program.
Prior to 1990, permit applications proposing to reuse water were evaluated based on guidance documents from the 1970s. The 1990 rules were intended to provide consistency across the state while ensuring the protection of public health and the environment. DEQ developed those rules with the assistance of a technical advisory group and utilized examples of regulations in effect in other states where successful use of recycled water has a long history.
2003: The Legislature asks DEQ to evaluate opportunities and barriers for water reuse in urban areas.
The 2003 Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 820. Section 27 of that bill required DEQ to work in consultation with interested parties and state agencies to examine the opportunities and barriers associated with water reuse in urban areas and to submit a report on its findings. This work culminated in a legislative report submitted in December 2004. The main recommendations included promoting water reuse that is protective of human health and the environment, developing best management practices, and looking into graywater reuse further.
2005: Governor's Executive Order 05-04 directs Oregon to take action on water reuse.
As a result of the work completed for SB 820 the governor signed executive order No. 05-04 on March 21, 2005, which directed the State of Oregon to:
- promote policies and programs to encourage and support water reuse,
- work together to overcome institutional and regulatory barriers,
- ensure protection of public health and the environment,
- encourage public acceptance of water reuse, and help this state meet its overall water needs.
2008: DEQ updates recycled water regulations.
To address recommendations from the Urban Water Reuse Task Force, Senate Bill 820 and the governor's executive order 05-04, DEQ revised its administrative rules. The revised rules expanded opportunities for municipal wastewater treatment facilities to use recycled water for beneficial purposes, such as irrigation, as an alternative to discharging treated wastewater into surface waters.
2009: Oregon Legislature legalizes graywater reuse.
Under House Bill 2080, the Legislature legalized graywater reuse for beneficial purposes and directed DEQ to adopt rules for permitting graywater reuse for individual households, apartment buildings or business.
2011: DEQ adopts rules for graywater reuse.
DEQ finalized the graywater rules to enable graywater reuse while protecting public health and the environment.
2023: Oregon Legislature directs DEQ to promote expansion of beneficial water reuse.
House Bill 2010, Section 22 required DEQ, in collaboration with the Oregon Water Resources Department and various interested parties, to formulate recommendations and identify additional resources aimed at promoting the expansion of beneficial water reuse within the state. In response to this request, DEQ provided this legislative report.