Hays Water Control and Improvement Districts No. 1 and No.2
Hays WCID No. 1 and No. 2 are pleased to announce that we have begun using reclaimed
water for landscape irrigation along Belterra Dr and Trinity Hills Dr. Our beneficial reuse
program utilizes reclaimed water treated to some of the highest levels in the state, and can be
used for non-potable applications in place of potable water or as a supplement to potable
water.
Reclaimed water helps the citizens of Belterra conserve water supply for use into the future. It
is a cost-effective way to improve the Districts’ ability to provide water for non-drinking water
purposes and will be available even during times of drought.
Water Reclamation Program Frequently Asked
Questions

What is reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water is domestic or municipal wastewater that has been treated to a quality suitable for
beneficial reuse.

Do mandatory watering schedules apply to the use of reclaimed water?
No, watering restrictions do not apply to the use of reclaimed water; however the Districts will try to keep
the irrigation times set for evening and night use.

Is the use of reclaimed water for irrigation applications safe?
The Districts’ use of reclaimed water for irrigation is safe. The District adheres to quality requirements set
by the State of Texas for reclaimed water. Also, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services
Department has given their approval concerning the reclaimed water initiative.

Will reclaimed water be monitored for quality?
Yes, the quality of the reclaimed water is regularly monitored to ensure public health and safety.

Who is currently using reclaimed water?
In the U.S. and other countries, reclaimed water is an important water resource.
Over 1,900 communities across the country are actively utilizing reclaimed water for a variety of
applications. The most progressive states include Washington, Florida, California, Arizona and Texas.
Hays Water Control and Improvement Districts No. 1 and No.2

Why is the use of reclaimed water important in Texas?
The population of Texas is expected to double in the next 50 years and Texans, more than ever before,
will be depending on the state’s water resources for their health and prosperity. The state’s Regional
Water Planning Groups (RWPGs) anticipate that the current demand of 17 million acre-feet per year in
2010 will increase to 21.6 million acre-feet by the year 2060. To meet this challenge the RWPGs were
asked to consider numerous water management strategies that would provide additional water supplies.
Water reuse was one such strategy. Fourteen of the 16 RWPGs have recommended water reuse as a
source of additional supply in their 2006 water plans and 11 report it as an already available supply.

What major laws regulate the treatment and use of reclaimed water in Texas?
In Texas, the use of reclaimed water is governed by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The TCEQ’s rules for the regulation of reclaimed water production, distribution, and use are found in 30
TAC Chapter 210 (Use of Reclaimed Water) which provides for the quality criteria, design, and operational
requirements for the beneficial use of reclaimed water.

Does reclaimed water look and smell the same as regular tap water?
Because reclaimed water is required to meet state-established water quality standards (Chapter 210.33
relating to Quality Standards for Using Reclaimed Water), it does not look any different than tap water.
However, some people report a slight chlorine odor in the water similar to that present in swimming
pools.

Is it safe for children to play on grass irrigated by reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water is generally not treated to drinking water standards established by the US Environmental
Protection Agency. However, reclaimed water does undergo several levels of treatment and is required to
meet TCEQ water quality standards. The reclaimed water utilized by the Districts is authorized by the
TCEQ for use in the irrigation of open space, greenbelts, parks, and landscape areas. Adverse health
effects are rare from direct external contact with the water, but are possible if large quantities of the
water are ingested over an extended period of time.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding reclaimed water please contact Severn Trent Services at
512-246-0498x213 or khester@stes.com.