Recycled Water Program

• Collection and storage containers must have watertight lids and a City recycled water sticker attached. This is to alert everyone that recycled water is in the container and not suitable for human consumption. Stickers are available at the Fill Station.
• DO NOT DRINK recycled water or use it for food preparation.
• Recycled water must not be pumped into the plumbed landscape irrigation system connected to the resident’s drinking water supply.
• Recycled water MUST NOT be discharged to the street gutter or storm drain system. If you have leftover recycled water and want to dispose of it, either discharge it to a landscaped area or the sanitary sewer system via an onsite cleanout.
• Only hand watering methods may be used with recycled water.
• After working with recycled water, remember to apply hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and domestic drinking water, especially before eating or smoking.
• Take precautions to avoid contact with food while using recycled water.
• Wash vegetables with domestic water before eating or cooking (the majority of the vegetables in the grocery store are irrigated with recycled water).
• Recycled water needs to be used and/or applied promptly. Storage of recycled water onsite is not allowed.
• Recycled water may not be used to fill RV holding tanks.
• Nobody should play with or drink recycled water.
• The City may conduct site visits to make sure recycled water is used properly. The health and safety of your family and the public are our priority.

Water Reclamation Facility (151 Mezzetta Court(PDF, 109KB))

Corporation Yard (205 Wetlands Edge Road)

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm, Monday–Friday

Instructions for Registered Users:

• Please use the yellow call box at the gate and identify yourself as a recycled water customer by using the microphone.
• Please stay with your vehicle at all times.
• There are no public restrooms available.
• Staff will not be sanitizing the fill station after each use, but a hand sanitizing station is located by the recycled water fill station for your safety and convenience.

We have some helpful resources for using recycled water in your landscaping. There is an “instructions” tab on the excel spreadsheet on how to use the spreadsheet. Check out these resources for how and when to use your recycled water!

Plant Salt Tolerance List for San Francisco Bay Area Landscapes Spreadsheet(XLSX, 46KB)

Bay Area Recycled Water Guide(PDF, 8MB)

Recycled Water Pump Summary Sheet for Customers(PDF, 170KB)

Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Our partners at the Napa County Mosquito Abatement District recommend keeping your recycled water containers well-sealed and/or screened to prevent mosquito breeding.

There are other helpful practices available on their website. If you have questions or need assistance, call the District at (707) 553-9610 or visit www.napamosquito.org.

What type of container can I use for Recycled Water?
You can use any container you would like as long as there is a lid that closes so that if the container were to be pushed over, water would not come out.

What is this recycled water NOT suitable for?

• Drinking
• Cooking or use in the kitchen
• Bathing or showering
• Filling swimming pools or spas
• Filling RV holding tanks
• Children’s water toys
• Plumbing to the household domestic plumbing system

Why is recycled water not safe to drink? What happens if I drink it?
Tertiary-treated recycled water is not approved for drinking. If you accidentally drink recycled water, there is no need to panic. Should you experience any adverse symptoms or feel unwell, consult your doctor.

Can I water my plants with recycled water?
Yes, all plants can be watered with recycled water. This includes edible plants such as fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. Just remember to wash all fruits, vegetables, and herbs with drinking water prior to consumption. Recycled water tends to have a higher salt content than drinking water. We advise you to direct the recycled water to the roots of the plants and not the foliage. This will protect them from potential leaf burn.

Can I use recycled water in my fountain?
Yes.

Do water use restrictions (conservation) apply to recycled water?
No. Water use restrictions do not apply to recycled water. However, recycled water is a valuable resource and should not be wasted.

How much recycled water can I pick up at a time?
The maximum amount per trip is 300 gallons, the minimum is 1 gallon. Water is very heavy; keep the size of your vehicle in mind when selecting transport containers. 1 gallon of water weighs 8.345 pounds, 10 gallons weighs 80+ pounds and two 55-gallon drums of recycled water weighs more than 900 pounds! Make sure your vehicle can handle the amount of recycled water you collect and transport. The City of American Canyon is not liable for any damages to you or your vehicle(s) due to your participation in the residential recycled water fill station program.

Who develops the health standards for recycled water?
Recycled water is strictly monitored to ensure it meets water quality standards set by the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recycled Water Rules and Regulations.

Do you deliver recycled water?
In 2022, the Recycled Water Delivery Program allowed American Canyon to conserve more than 3-million gallons of potable water during emergency drought conditions. American Canyon will consider restoration of the delivery program in years when our water allocation is low, and drought conditions are bleak.