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Water Reuse Program

The protection of Oregon's water is one of DEQ's highest priorities and water reuse helps support the efforts towards water sustainability. DEQ's work in water reuse dates back to 1990, and this practice is utilized both nationally and internationally to protect water resources.

Water reuse is the recycling of treated wastewater derived from domestic and industrial sources for beneficial purposes. This includes water used from households, and industries with water used from processing. Reusing water for certain agricultural, commercial and residential purposes provides a safe and environmentally sound way to manage wastewater while conserving drinkable surface water and groundwater supplies in Oregon. These are much needed benefits to help Oregon address issues like continuing droughts and water scarcity. 

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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.

2​023: 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.


Through proper management, the reuse of water can provide social benefits. It can add to economic vitality, deliver critical water access, aid in ecological restoration, supplement infrastructure resilience, improve water quality, and establish a more reliable water supply. Water reuse can be especially beneficial when it comes to increasing drought resilience and instream and groundwater supply protection.

The use of recycled water is not limited to Oregon. Water reuse is widely used across the country. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency's REUSExplorer provides a searchable summary of state water reuse regulations in the various states and has developed a water reuse action plan (WRAP).​


In Oregon, DEQ regulates three types of water reuse. All water reuse projects must be protective of public health and the environment as well as provide a resource value for DEQ to approve it.

Graywater (homeowners and businesses)
Shower and bath wastewater, bathroom sink water, kitchen sink wastewater, and laundry wastewater. Graywater does not mean toilet or garbage wastes (in sink garbage disposals) or wastewater contaminated by soiled diapers. To reuse this type of water for something like irrigation or landscape ponds, you'll need to apply for either the 2401 or 240​2 general or individual permit​.
 
Recycled water (municipal, agricultural, businesses)
Treated effluent from a municipal or private wastewater treatment system, which is suitable for reuse because it is treated. To use this water for household, agricultural, industrial or another beneficial purpose, you will need an NPDES or WPCF water quality permit.
 
Industrial wastewater (businesses and agriculture)

Treated and untreated effluent from an industrial process, manufacturing, or from the development or recovery of any natural resource. Industrial facilities that want to do this can get a 2501 general permit to use the water without secondary or advanced treatment, or an individual permit that requires more treatment but where the water can be used in more ways.


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2024 Reuse Legislative Report
DEQ Water Reuse Legislative report identifying water reuse barriers and opportunities.

EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse
Environmental Protection Agency national water reuse guidelines.

EPA Water Reuse Information Library
Compilation of reports, publications, fact sheets, webinars, webpages associated with reuse.

Manual of Good Practice for application of Food Processing/Rinse Water
Manual of Good Practices for Food Producers (California League of Food Producers)