AWWA ACE91002

This paper describes how water quality programs in California may impact discharges of wastes from water treatment and distribution facilities. The information in this paper, unless otherwise indicated, is based on the practices and procedures within the jurisdiction of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (CRWQCB, SDR). In the case of liquid discharges (from on-site sanitation or filter backwash water) and solids discharge to land for treatment, storage, or disposal are similar, except that in the former case the regional water quality review board may specify only quality standards for the discharge, while in the latter case the board may also specify the means of complying with those standards. A table gives criteria for constituents of hazardous wastes (in mg/L and mg/kg); a second table summarizes waste management strategies for land discharges. A case study highlights how the regulations affect a water treatment plant and its expansion. Regulations relevant to distribution system flushing (which may require an NPDES permit for discharge to a surface water) and illicit spills and discharges are briefly discussed.