Frequently Asked Questions

Water Reuse Policies & Regulations

Which cities in the United States are leading the way in water reuse policies and regulations?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami are recognized for their progressive water reuse policies. Each city has implemented regulations and incentives to promote onsite water reuse and support a circular economy. For example, San Francisco requires new developments over 100,000 sq ft to install onsite water reuse systems, while Miami offers density bonuses for greywater reuse in multifamily developments. Source

What are the main requirements for onsite water reuse systems in San Francisco?

San Francisco's Article 12C of the Health Code mandates that all new development projects of 100,000 gross square feet or more must install and operate onsite water reuse systems. These systems capture and treat greywater, rainwater, and blackwater for reuse in toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling. Source

How does Los Angeles promote water reuse in new buildings?

Los Angeles requires new residential buildings over 25 stories to use 100% non-potable water for cooling tower makeup. Non-residential buildings over 25 stories must achieve at least 6 cycles of concentration or use a minimum of 50% non-potable water for cooling towers. The city also encourages reclaimed water use for irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater replenishment. Source

What incentives and grants are available to support water reuse projects?

Several programs support water reuse projects, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), and Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program. These offer low-interest loans and grants for water infrastructure, with some grants providing up to 0,000 in federal funding for small-scale projects. Cities may also reduce upfront capacity charges based on anticipated flow reductions. CWSRF, WIFIA, WaterSMART

How does Miami incentivize water reuse in multifamily developments?

Miami offers a greywater density bonus: developers receive a 35% density bonus if 100% of units use treated greywater, and a 25% bonus if 75% of units use greywater, for multifamily developments with at least 25 units and five stories or less. Source

What is Austin’s GoPurple water reuse program?

Austin’s GoPurple program requires all new commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments larger than 250,000 square feet to comply with new water reuse regulations. The city encourages reclaimed water use for irrigation, cooling, and industrial processes, supporting environmental stewardship and resilience. Source

How does Phoenix encourage water reuse?

Phoenix promotes water reuse through regulations and incentive programs, such as Water Smart, which offer free consultations and rebates for water conservation measures. The city encourages reclaimed water use for irrigation, cooling towers, and industrial processes, reducing dependence on groundwater. Source

What is the typical ROI for water reuse technology investments?

Water reuse technology is a capital investment that often pays for itself in 3-10 years, depending on the system type and project specifics. Incentives and grants can further reduce the payback period. Source

How can I find out about water reuse policies and incentives in my state?

You can review state-specific water reuse policies and regulations on Epic Cleantec’s dedicated page: Onsite Water Reuse Regulations by State. For personalized incentive options, contact Epic Cleantec for a project review.

What role do buildings play in water conservation and the circular economy?

Globally, buildings use 14% of available potable water but rarely reuse it. By recycling and reusing water onsite, buildings conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and support a circular economy. Source

How do water reuse policies help cities address water scarcity?

Water reuse policies reduce demand on municipal water supplies, promote sustainable management, and create resilient urban environments. By incentivizing onsite water recycling, cities can conserve valuable resources and mitigate the effects of climate change and population growth. Source

What types of water can be recycled in onsite reuse systems?

Onsite water reuse systems can capture and treat greywater, rainwater, and blackwater for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling. Source

What are the environmental benefits of water reuse?

Water reuse reduces reliance on freshwater sources, lowers environmental impact, and supports a circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources. It also helps cities and buildings achieve sustainability goals and certifications. Source

How can Epic Cleantec help with water reuse project funding?

Epic Cleantec can review your project and inform you of available funding opportunities, including federal, state, and local grants and incentives. Contact Epic Cleantec for a personalized assessment. Contact Us

What is the National Blue Ribbon Commission’s role in water reuse?

The National Blue Ribbon Commission helps overcome barriers to onsite water reuse and makes implementation more accessible nationwide. San Francisco participates in this effort to advance water recycling policy. Source

What are wastewater capacity charges and how can they be reduced?

Wastewater capacity charges are one-time fees for new developments to connect to municipal water or sewer systems. Some cities reduce these charges based on anticipated flow reductions from water reuse systems, with reductions up to 0,000 depending on the project. Source

How do water reuse policies impact urban resilience?

By integrating water reuse into urban infrastructure, cities create more resilient and sustainable water supply systems, reducing vulnerability to droughts and infrastructure failures. Source

What is the role of incentives in water reuse adoption?

Incentives and grants minimize the initial investment required for water reuse technology, making adoption more feasible and accelerating sustainability efforts. Source

How can I get a project assessment for water reuse solutions?

You can request a free project assessment from Epic Cleantec to evaluate your site’s suitability for water reuse solutions and receive guidance on available incentives and regulations. Request Assessment

What are some common challenges cities face with water management?

Cities face challenges such as population growth, climate change, and infrastructure failures, which increase pressure on limited water resources. Water reuse policies help address these challenges by promoting sustainable management. Source

How does Epic Cleantec’s technology support water reuse?

Epic Cleantec provides onsite water reuse systems that recycle up to 95% of wastewater, transforming it into clean water, renewable energy, and soil products. Their solutions help buildings and communities reduce water consumption and achieve sustainability goals. Source

Epic Cleantec Solutions & Features

What products and services does Epic Cleantec offer?

Epic Cleantec offers onsite water reuse systems, soil amendments, wastewater heat recovery, operations and maintenance, and end-to-end project support. Their solutions are tailored for real estate developments, hotels, corporate campuses, and more. Source

What are the key capabilities and benefits of Epic Cleantec’s products?

Epic Cleantec’s systems recycle up to 95% of wastewater, are modular and scalable (1,000–30,000 gallons/day), have a compact footprint, are energy efficient, fully automated, and customizable. Benefits include cost savings, enhanced sustainability, ESG alignment, and operational efficiency. Source

What problems does Epic Cleantec solve for its customers?

Epic Cleantec addresses water scarcity, rising utility costs, aging infrastructure, sustainability goals, environmental impact, and operational efficiency. Their technology enables reliable local water supply, reduces costs, and supports certifications like LEED. Source

Who are Epic Cleantec’s customers?

Epic Cleantec is trusted by organizations such as Salesforce, Crescent Heights, Forge Development Partners, The Green Cities Company, and many others across commercial, residential, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors. Source

What industries are represented in Epic Cleantec’s case studies?

Epic Cleantec’s case studies span commercial real estate, residential real estate, hospitality, mixed-use developments, and community-scale developments. Examples include Salesforce Tower, The Brady, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, and Park Habitat. Source

Can you share specific case studies or success stories?

Epic Cleantec has implemented water reuse systems in projects like Salesforce Tower (30,000 GPD system), The Brady (saving 7K annually), Campus at Horton (recycling 8.7 million gallons/year), Kuilei Place (8.5 million gallons/year), and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (438,000 gallons/year for landscaping). Source

What is the typical implementation process for Epic Cleantec solutions?

Clients can start with no upfront costs. Epic Cleantec collects three years of financials, one year of water usage/rate data, and reviews corporation details. A Water MOU is established, and Epic Cleantec provides end-to-end support for design, permitting, and installation. Source

What business impact can customers expect from Epic Cleantec’s products?

Customers can expect cost savings (ROI in 3–7 years), enhanced sustainability profiles, ESG alignment, operational efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and resilience to water scarcity. Source

What are some of the pain points Epic Cleantec addresses?

Epic Cleantec addresses water scarcity, rising utility costs, aging infrastructure, sustainability certifications, environmental impact, and operational efficiency. Their solutions are tailored to alleviate these challenges for property owners and developers. Source

Who is the target audience for Epic Cleantec’s products?

Epic Cleantec’s solutions are designed for real estate developers, property owners, architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, and industries such as community-scale developments, corporate campuses, hotels, universities, and data centers. Source

What are some integration considerations for Epic Cleantec systems?

Integration considerations include three-way valves, sufficient storage, waterproofing, safety showers, operator/lab sinks, foul air treatment, high-speed internet, leak detection, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Source

What technical documentation is available for Epic Cleantec products?

Epic Cleantec provides downloadable spec sheets and Revit files for the OneWater™ system, technology overviews, integration guides, and free project assessments with preliminary equipment lists and dimensions. Source

How does Epic Cleantec compare to alternatives in the market?

Epic Cleantec offers modular, scalable, energy-efficient, fully automated systems with customizable components and end-to-end services. Their solutions are suitable for projects of varying sizes and have a proven track record in high-profile developments. Source

What are the advantages of Epic Cleantec’s solutions for different user segments?

Real estate developers benefit from cost savings and ESG alignment; community-scale developments gain sustainability and utility cost reductions; universities achieve water resilience; wineries and breweries secure reliable water supply during droughts. Source

What is the primary purpose of Epic Cleantec’s products?

The primary purpose is to enable onsite water reuse for buildings and communities, creating a circular water economy by transforming wastewater into clean water, renewable energy, and soil products. Source

What performance metrics are important for Epic Cleantec’s products?

Epic Cleantec’s systems recycle up to 95% of wastewater, process flows from 1,000 to 30,000 gallons/day, and deliver ROI in 3–7 years. They are fully automated, energy efficient, and space-efficient. Source

Five cities promoting a circular economy through water reuse policies and regulations

As populations continue to grow, climate change intensifies, and infrastructure failures become more frequent, cities across the nation are facing increased pressure on their limited water resources. In response, many American cities are turning to water reuse regulations and implementing policies to promote a circular economy and ensure sustainable water management.

Buildings in particular can play a vital role in helping conserve resources. On a global scale, buildings use 14% of available potable water yet almost none reuse it. By recycling and reusing water, they are conserving valuable resources and reducing their environmental impact. Let’s explore how some forward-thinking cities are leading the way in water recycling policy.

San Francisco, California
San Francisco is renowned for its progressive environmental policies, and its approach to water reuse is no exception. Article 12C of the San Francisco Health Code requires all new development projects of 100,000 gross square feet or more to install and operate an onsite water reuse system. These systems capture and treat greywater, rainwater, and blackwater for reuse in toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling. This initiative not only reduces the demand on the city’s potable water supply but also supports a circular economy by turning waste into a valuable resource. San Francisco is part of a national effort through the National Blue Ribbon Commission to help overcome barriers to onsite water reuse and make its implementation more accessible.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has long been at the forefront of water reuse. The city’s extensive program includes the use of reclaimed water for various non-potable applications such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater replenishment. The city’s Green Building Code mandates that new residential buildings over 25 stories have 100% of the cooling tower makeup water supply come from non-potable water sources. Non-residential buildings over 25 stories will need to have a minimum of 6 cycles of concentration (blowdown) or a minimum of 50% of the cooling tower makeup water supply come from non-potable water sources. By integrating water reuse into its urban infrastructure, Los Angeles is creating a more resilient and sustainable water supply system.
Phoenix, Arizona
In Phoenix, water reuse is a critical component of the city’s water management strategy in the arid region. The city has implemented regulations that encourage the use of reclaimed water for irrigation, cooling towers, and industrial processes. Water Smart incentive programs encourage businesses and residents alike to take part in water conservation efforts by offering free consultations on ways to reduce water usage, and rebates for grass removal and replacing appliances with WaterSense-labeled ones. By integrating water reuse into its infrastructure, Phoenix is reducing its dependence on dwindling groundwater supplies and promoting a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its recent roll out of the comprehensive GoPurple water reuse program. This initiative requires all new commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments larger than 250,000 square feet to adhere to new water reuse regulations. The city encourages the use of reclaimed water for irrigation, cooling, and industrial processes, helping to reduce the demand on its potable water supply. Austin’s approach to water reuse supports the circular economy by transforming wastewater into a valuable resource, thereby promoting environmental stewardship and resilience.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s water reuse regulations encourage the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and other non-potable purposes. The greywater density bonus offers developers a 35% density bonus if 100% of units use treated greywater, and a 25% density bonus if 75% of units use greywater for multifamily developments that are at least 25 units and five stories or less. By promoting the installation of onsite water reuse systems, the city is reducing its reliance on freshwater sources and supporting a circular economy. Miami’s approach to water reuse helps to conserve valuable water resources and promote environmental sustainability.

Incentives and grant opportunities that support water reuse policy

Water reuse technology is a capital investment that often pays for itself in 3-10 years, depending on the system type. Luckily, there are incentive and grant programs that minimize the initial investment and support the implementation of innovative water reuse technologies, helping to address water scarcity and sustainability challenges.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states to provide low interest rate loans for water infrastructure projects. There are a variety of project types eligible, including decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
Wastewater Capacity Charges are one-time fees for new developments to connect to a municipal water or sewer system. Some cities will agree to reduce upfront water and wastewater capacity charges (or rate reductions) in proportion to the anticipated flow reductions. This can be up to $500,000 depending on the project.
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)is a federal credit program administered by the EPA that provides long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Qualifying WIFIA applicants must provide matching funds from another source.
Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program offers grants for water reuse and recycling projects to support water management improvements. Small-scale projects, including high-efficiency indoor appliances/fixtures and commercial cooling systems, may request up to $100,000 in federal funding, with a non-federal cost-share of 50% or more of total project costs, for projects with total project costs no more than $225,000.

These are just a few of the opportunities available to help fund your water reuse project. There are a number of state and local grants and incentives available. If you’d like more information about the policies and regulations in your state or want to discuss incentive options for your project, contact Epic Cleantec. We’d be happy to review your project and inform you of any funding opportunities available.