TUOLUMNE UTILITIES DISTRICT’S INNOVATIVE RECLAMATION SYSTEM

Abby Parcon | Posted on 7 Nov, 2024 |

Did you know Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) treats and recycles all the county’s wastewater? TUD has been doing this for over 30 years and takes pride in its advanced system that processes and reuses its wastewater.

TUD is proud to showcase its advanced wastewater reclamation system which treats and recycles 100% of its wastewater. Recycled water, also referred to as treated wastewater or reclaimed water, is water that has been previously used and has undergone a stringent level of purification or treatment. TUD’s wastewater is recycled using several treatment processes; each step further improves the quality of the water.

Primary treatment: Initial step where raw sewage flows through screens, removing large debris and objects.

Secondary treatment: Biodegradables and organic matter are removed using aerobic or anaerobic biological treatment processes.

Tertiary treatment: Any remaining particulates are removed through a filtration process where tiny particles are removed followed by chemical or nonchemical disinfection.

At the heart of this innovative system is the state-of-the-art Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (SRWWTF), which was recently upgraded to a tertiary treatment plant in May 2024, and now has the capacity to treat over 2 million gallons of incoming wastewater daily. The SRWWTF is one of just 255 wastewater treatment facilities in California that generate recycled water. There are a total of 448 wastewater treatment plants in the state, and only approximately half of them produce recycled water.

After the tertiary treatment process at the SRWWTF, the reclaimed water travels towards the reclamation system, traversing several miles of recycled water pipelines before reaching ranchers in our upper zone then continuing down to Quartz Reservoir in Jamestown, which can store up to 1,616 acre-feet of treated wastewater. This water is subsequently supplied to over 20 irrigation and agricultural users within the Jamestown region, irrigating approximately 630 acres of land. This ensures that pastures stay lush and green, producing feed for cattle year-round, even during dry periods.

Aside from providing essential irrigation for cattle-grazing pastures, it also provides several other advantages, such as easing the demand on drinkable water supplies and lessening environmental impacts by reducing the discharge of treated wastewater into natural bodies of water. Recycled water is a safe, almost drought-resistant source of extra water for our region and can now be used for other applications permitted by California regulations, including residential golf courses, parks, and other urban landscaping.

TUD’s reclamation system demonstrates how dedication, innovation, and sustainability can transform wastewater into a valuable resource that supports agriculture, reduces ecological impacts on natural water bodies, recharges ground water supplies and protects local wildlife habits.

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All the county’s wastewater is treated at the Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.