CO SB038

Allows reclaimed domestic wastewater to be used for industrial hemp irrigation when complying with Category 1 water quality standards, which require secondary treatment with disinfection and meet E. coli and total suspended solids standards.

Establishes three categories of water quality standards for reclaimed wastewater reuse, with Category 1 being the least stringent (for industrial uses, construction, restricted landscape irrigation) and Category 3 being the most stringent (for residential uses and unrestricted landscape irrigation).

Requires all reclaimed wastewater systems to comply with Article 58 of Title 12 and grants the Water Quality Control Commission authority to promulgate rules by December 31, 2019, including creating additional categories or recategorizing uses to less stringent standards.

Allows the Water Quality Control Division to grant variances from established water quality standards if a user demonstrates the proposed usage will sufficiently protect public health and the environment.

Appropriates $40,602 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the Water Quality Control Division to implement the act, assuming an additional 0.4 FTE position.