Recycled Water

Recycled water, also known as reclaimed water or reused water, is water collected by the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) as waste water that has been treated to remove contaminants. It is suitable for non-potable uses such as industrial processes and irrigation. The wastewater treatment process in Woodland includes primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment with disinfection, which removes solids, bacteria and viruses to ensure the finished product meets specific water quality standards.  

In the City of Woodland, sources of recycled water can be identified by purple pipeline, purple meter boxes and sprinkler heads, and various signs along irrigated areas. Purple signs are placed at vehicle and pedestrian entrances, away from sidewalks.  The recycled water system is a completely separate system from the potable system and should not be used for human consumption.  

Woodland's implementation of a recycled water system significantly enhances its water resilience by lessening the pressure on the City's primary drinking water supply.  By using recycled water for irrigation and other non-potable needs, the City reduces the amount that needs to be diverted from the Sacramento River, making it more drought resistant. The added layer of water supply for Woodland can be crucial during droughts or when demand on other sources is high.  The recycled water utility delivered an average of approximately 350,000 gallons per day before the expansion and anticipates higher deliveries in 2025. 

Project Expansion


The Spring Lake Recycled Water project, CIP 17-07, completed construction in 2024. The project installed 2 miles of new recycled water main (purple pipe) and connected an additional mile of previously-installed purple pipe in Spring Lake, resulting in a new 3-mile extension of the recycled water system and converting 22 irrigation meters from potable water to recycled water in the process. The project is expected to offset approximately 38 million gallons of potable water usage per year, equivalent to over 1% of the City’s overall annual potable water use with about 750,000 gallons per day during summer months. 

The project connected to the existing recycled water system on  E. Gibson Road near County Road 102 and extended the pipeline west along E. Gibson Road to Harry Lorenzo Ave., Marston Dr., Parkland Ave., and County Road 25A. Amongst the 22 new connections includes Spring Lake Park, Rick Gonzales Sr. Park, and the Spring Lake Elementary School Playfields, as well as sidewalk irrigation strips along the route. The City conducted cross-connection surveys of these connections to verify that the recycled water supply doesn’t accidentally connect to the potable water system. Several stubs were installed for future recycled water extensions, including to irrigate landscapes in the future Woodland Research and Technology Park.
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Benefits of an alternative source


  • Water conservation - reduced reliance on freshwater sources such as rivers and aquifers
  • Pollution reduction - decreased wastewater discharge to natural bodies of water; improved water quality of those bodies
  • Groundwater recharge - can be used for flood "MAR" or Managed Aquifer Recharge (not used in Woodland)
  • Sustainable agriculture - reduced need for fertilizer
  • Climate change adaptation - consistent, alternative water supply
  • Cost-effective water management - can be less expensive than creating an alternative supply
  • Economic boost - jobs to create the infrastructure