The water is purified sufficiently to meet or exceed federal and state drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption. Potable Reuse is the use of recycled water for drinking water purposes. Technical Terms for Different Types of Water Reuseīeneficial Reuse is the use of recycled water for purposes that contribute to the water needs, economy and/or environment of a community. Water reuse solutions essentially use technology to mimic the natural cycle and create clean water – faster and more efficiently – than it would otherwise be available. The amount of water that evaporates each year and the amount that falls back to the ground are virtually constant, meaning that the amount of water on Earth does not change. Water evaporates from water bodies (such as oceans, lakes, and rivers), forms clouds, and returns to earth as precipitation (rain or snow). Water Cycle describes how water moves on the Earth. Once reclaimed water is put to some purpose it is referred to as recycled or reused water.

Reclaimed Water is previously used water that has been treated for reuse but has not yet been put to another use. The terms 'reused' and 'recycled' are often used interchangeably depending on where you are geographically. Recycled Water generally refers to treated domestic wastewater that is used more than once before it passes back into the water cycle. Potable Water is drinking water that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards. The terms are grouped into categories based on how they are used in public outreach materials and technical reports, and definitions are provided. This glossary represents a list of words that are often used in public information and technical reports prepared by scientists, engineers, and technologists. Delta Diablo believes it is also valuable information for our customers to have access to, which we are providing below. To assist with this effort, the California Association of Water Agencies Communications Committee's Recycled Water Work Group worked collaboratively with the California WateReuse Association and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies to produce a list of terms that could be published for use by members of all three agencies. With water reuse playing an increasingly important role in California's water supply portfolio, consistent use of terms and their definitions is critical to public education and outreach.

Types of wastewater treatment process