Sewer Water as Drinking Water? What the Pure Water Project Means for Your Faucet
The Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo is a forward-thinking solution to one of Southern California’s biggest challenges: water reliability. As droughts become more frequent and imported water more costly, this innovative project transforms wastewater into clean, drinkable water for the local community — helping secure a sustainable future.
But what exactly are residents drinking, washing, and bathing in? And are there any risks? Here’s a look at the full process — and how The Clean Water Company can help provide added protection at the tap.
From Start to Finish: The Water Recycling Process
The Pure Water Project turns treated wastewater into high-quality drinking water through a multi-step process:
1. Initial Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater from homes and businesses flows into the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility, where traditional processes remove solids and organic matter.
2. Advanced Water Purification
At the Pure Water Demonstration Facility, the partially treated water goes through advanced purification:
Microfiltration (MF): Filters out tiny particles and bacteria.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes salts, viruses, pharmaceuticals, and most dissolved contaminants.
UV/Advanced Oxidation (UV/AOP): Breaks down any remaining trace chemicals and organic compounds.
3. Blending and Distribution
Purified water is stored in the Las Virgenes Reservoir or mixed with other sources. It’s then re-treated and distributed through the municipal water system — ready for drinking, cooking, bathing, and more.
What Residents Will Be Using This Water For
After treatment, the water meets — or exceeds — all federal and state standards. Residents will be using this ultra-clean water for:
Drinking and cooking
Bathing and showering
Washing clothes and dishes
Everyday household use
This recycled water is actually cleaner than many bottled waters, thanks to the rigorous treatment it undergoes.
The Downsides of Recycled Sewer Water
Despite its benefits, there are some important considerations:
● Public Perception
The "yuck" factor remains a hurdle for some residents, even when the science confirms safety.
● Trace Contaminants
While most contaminants are removed, extremely small amounts of pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and personal care residues can remain. These levels typically do not exceed legal limits, but even at low concentrations, daily, long-term exposure can accumulate in the body. For some families — especially those with children, pregnant individuals, or compromised immune systems — this is a reason to seek additional filtration at home.
● High Energy Use
Reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation require significant energy, increasing operating costs and potentially impacting the environment.
● Waste Byproducts
The purification process produces brine waste — a concentrated salt and contaminant stream — that must be carefully disposed of to avoid harming ecosystems.
● Infrastructure and Cost
Advanced purification requires large investments in infrastructure, and that can lead to higher water rates for consumers.
● Aging Pipes
Even after treatment, water can pick up contaminants — like lead or copper — from corroded plumbing on its way to your tap.
How The Clean Water Company Can Help
While the Pure Water Project delivers an excellent municipal water supply, many homeowners choose to add an extra layer of protection for their families.
At The Clean Water Company, we specialize in premium residential water treatment systems designed to safeguard your health and enhance your comfort:
Whole-Home Filtration Systems
Our whole-home systems are installed at the point where water enters your home, treating 100% of your water before it flows to any tap, appliance, or shower. These systems:
Remove chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts that can dry out skin and irritate lungs
Reduce or eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Filter out sediment, rust, and other particles that can damage plumbing and appliances
Improve the smell, taste, and clarity of all water used for bathing, laundry, and cleaning
This means healthier showers, softer laundry, longer-lasting appliances, and a noticeable difference in the feel and performance of your water — from the bathroom to the kitchen.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water Systems
Installed under your kitchen sink or at a designated tap, our RO systems offer the ultimate level of water purification for your family’s drinking and cooking water. These systems:
Use multi-stage filtration to remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, including lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and PFAS
Eliminate pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other trace contaminants that may remain after city treatment
Deliver crystal-clear, fresh-tasting water on demand — ideal for coffee, tea, baby formula, and cooking
Come with high-capacity filters and optional remineralization cartridges for taste and health benefits
Whether you're filling up a reusable bottle or preparing dinner, our RO systems give you bottle-quality water without the plastic waste — right from your own faucet.
The Bottom Line
The Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo is a bold step toward a water-secure future. But if you want total confidence in your water — from every faucet in your home — The Clean Water Company is here to help. We provide customized filtration solutions that give you full control over your water quality.
Clean. Safe. Trusted. That’s The Clean Water Company difference.
