New Jersey’s coastal communities discharge approximately 170 million gallons of wastewater per day into the Atlantic Ocean.  If this water was not removed from the natural system, it would have remained in rivers and streams supporting aquatic life, or in the ground replenishing water bodies and providing a barrier to salt water that would otherwise infiltrate inland waterways.  Beneficially reusing water is a viable alternative to discharging wastewater effluent into surface water that allows us to conserve precious potable water supplies.  It also reminds us to conserve water at home and work at all times. 

Beneficial reuse is the process in which wastewater undergoes a high degree of treatment and is used for applications which demand water of less-than-potable quality, such as irrigation, recreation, maintenance, environmental restoration, and industrial processes.  A limited number of facilities in New Jersey administer a reuse program directed by unclear regulatory structure and guidelines that have not been publicly reviewed as set forth by NJDEP.  Other states such as Florida, which has the capacity to reuse over 50% of its wastewater, have clearly outlined regulations facilitating the safe, beneficial reuse of wastewater.  COA is reviewing successful reuse programs in other states and urging NJDEP to enact such regulations to secure New Jersey a safe and abundant water supply.