020-21 Wyo. Code R. § 21-1

Current through April 27, 2019
Section 21-1 - Authority and Purpose

It is the intent of these regulations to encourage and facilitate the productive and safe reuse of treated wastewater as a viable option in the management of the state's scarce water resources. The use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes through "source substitution" or replacing potable water used for non-potable purposes is encouraged. This part contains the minimum standards for the reuse of treated wastewater as defined in these regulations. This chapter replaces and supersedes the portions of part E, Chapter 11, Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations pertaining land application of treated wastewater.

(a) These regulations establish standards that address the primary health concerns associated with the reuse of treated wastewater. The regulations establish criteria to address the risk of pathogen exposure and infectious disease risks associated with various specified uses of treated wastewater. The regulations establish standards for the following:

  • (i) The level of wastewater treatment required;
  • (ii) Treatment reliability requirements;
  • (iii) Upper limits for water quality parameters;
  • (iv) Site access restrictions; and
  • (v) Management practices.

(b) In addition, the standards in this part include the parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements when treated wastewater is reused.

(c) These regulations establish the degree of control required for wastewater reuse through site access limitations, management practices and crop restrictions that will be commensurate with the level of treatment provided, reliability of the treatment process, quality of the wastewater and the intended use. As the quality of the wastewater and the reliability of the treatment process increases, the regulatory controls are reduced to a level consistent with protecting public health and the environment.

(d) Pathogen reduction and public health impacts related to infectious disease agents are the major concerns associated with the reuse of treated wastewater. Chemical and toxic pollutants in treated domestic sewage are generally not a concern and are not targeted for state regulation in this chapter. There are additional constituents, such as total dissolved solids, that should be considered as part of an overall irrigation management program but are not regulated by this chapter.

020-21 Wyo. Code R. § 21-1