Public trust nearly derailed one of California’s most important water recycling projects — but it also transformed how the state approaches reuse.
Traci Minamide of CDM Smith explains how the East Valley project became a flashpoint in the early 2000s, when “toilet-to-tap” politics stalled progress for two decades.
Today, that setback is a defining lesson: large water reuse projects must build support early, engage communities transparently, and bring elected leaders into the process from day one. California’s success now reflects that shift — with public outreach standing at the center of every modern reuse effort.
Episode at https://bit.ly/CAreuseProPerspective
The Golden State of Reuse is a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California.
The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California.
CDM Smith is the lead sponsor. Learn how their experts are driving innovation at https://www.cdmsmith.com/reuse
The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/
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