Session Law 2014-113 / Senate Bill 163 Summary

• Designates reclaimed water as a supplemental source for potable water treatment in regions with limited water resources, provided specific conditions are met.

• Defines "pretreatment mixing basin" as a facility where raw water and reclaimed water are combined before treatment for drinking water supply.

• Permits local water systems to combine reclaimed water with other raw water sources before treatment if they meet 12 conditions, including: use of a pretreatment mixing basin with minimum 5-day storage capacity, reclaimed water treatment to highest standards, reclaimed water limited to 20% of combined daily flow, water conservation measures, leakage below 15%, public notice, and compliance with all state and federal drinking water laws.

• Prohibits use of reclaimed water for compliance with flow limitations imposed by wastewater discharge permits and requires any discharge to state waters to be permitted under G.S. 143-215.1.

• Directs the Environmental Management Commission to adopt rules for reclaimed water standards that do not prohibit combining reclaimed water with raw water sources before treatment as outlined in the bill.