Water Recycling

Reclaims water from a variety of sources, treats it, and reuses it for beneficial purposes like irrigation, livestock supply, groundwater replenishment, and environmental restoration.

Water Recycling Essentials

Discover what water recycling is, why it matters, and how it can be implemented effectively.

What is it?

Water recycling (also known as water reuse) reclaims water from various sources, treats it, and reuses it for beneficial purposes like irrigation, livestock water supply, groundwater replenishment, and environmental restoration.

Why Important?

Provides alternatives to existing water supplies, reducing surface and groundwater depletion. Prevents decreased water levels, increased costs, quality deterioration, land subsidence, stressed ecosystems, and impacts on neighboring resources.

How Can It Be Implemented?

Engineering Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) support agricultural water reuse:

  • 436 Irrigation Reservoir
  • 606/607 Subsurface Drain
  • 558 Roof Runoff Structure
  • 636 Water Harvesting Catchment
  • 447 Irrigation Tailwater Recovery

For more, visit NRCS National CPS web page or contact your local NRCS Office.