HB 18-1093 Summary

• Allows reclaimed domestic wastewater to be used for irrigation of food crops (both commercial and noncommercial) if it meets water quality standards established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission.

• Establishes three categories of water quality standards for reclaimed wastewater: Category 1 (secondary treatment with disinfection), Category 2 (secondary treatment with filtration and disinfection), and Category 3 (secondary treatment with filtration and disinfection), each with specific E. coli and solids/turbidity requirements.

• Requires all reclaimed wastewater used for food crop irrigation to meet federal FDA Food Safety Modernization Act standards for commercial crops, regardless of whether the crop is for commercial or noncommercial use.

• Authorizes the Water Quality Control Commission to promulgate rules by December 31, 2019, and permits the Commission to create additional water quality categories or recategorize uses to less stringent standards.

• Appropriates $14,399 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the 2018-19 fiscal year to implement the program.