Goleta Sanitary District blends primary treated water with higher quality secondary treated water and discharges it safely into the ocean. By adding the third stage of treatment, a portion of the secondary treated water is raised to a higher quality level and becomes recycled water. The water is then pumped by Goleta Water District to customers for use on large landscapes.

Goleta Sanitary District's treatment process produces a supply of highly treated wastewater that was simply being discharged into the ocean. To take better advantage of this water, the Sanitary District added a new and sophisticated tertiary treatment process.

Goleta Water District added a new recycled water pipeline to the treatment plant and the recycled water project was born. Together, the two Districts are collecting wastewater, treating it and recycling it for landscape irrigation thus saving up to 300 million gallons of potable water each year for residents of Goleta.

Recycled water has been used safely in California for decades. Its use is carefully monitored by local, state and federal regulators. Sophisticated and proven treatment processes, the specially designed and built recycled water pipeline, and stringent user guidelines assure that the water is used safely and efficiently.

Recycled water customers benefit by having a new and reliable supply of water that isn't affected by drought. All Goleta Valley residents benefit because recycled water releases precious and limited potable water supplies for use by everyone.