News Flash

Latest News

Posted on: November 10, 2021

Recycled Water Is Coming to Rancho Santa Margarita

RSM

The Santa Margarita Water District Board of Directors voted on October 22, 2021, to continue the effort to bring recycled water to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) for the irrigation of parks, sports fields, community spaces, and to possibly fill the lake, Lago Santa Margarita.  This is an important project and a milestone in SMWD's efforts to improve the sustainability of water resources for RSM and in the District.  Every gallon of recycled water used for irrigation is a gallon of imported potable water that is available for higher, more beneficial uses such as drinking and bathing.

Today, RSM does not have access to recycled water due to old regulatory mandates that were in effect when the city was built. Over the years, SMWD has worked successfully to revise the restrictions to allow for the use of recycled water throughout the community. We are ready to begin and over 80% of RSM residents voiced their support for the conversion, according to a recent poll.

California experiences droughts regularly, much like the one we are in now.  SAMLARC and other associations were great partners in reducing water use to meet State requirements during the last drought. Many of the changes they made in their irrigation practices were permanent.  Today, should the state impose mandatory restrictions, these associations will not have the same opportunities to reduce without severely impacting landscaping and quality of life.  This is where the conversion of irrigation to recycled water pays off.

This project involves constructing all the infrastructure – pipelines and pump stations - needed to provide recycled water to the green spaces in RSM.  The phased construction will begin at the end of 2022 and take 24 to 36 months to complete. The cost of the project is $42 million and may be paid through property taxes at a rate of approximately $150 to $195per year.  The District will apply for grants, rebates and low-interest loans that will reduce the overall project costs to homeowners.

We are excited about this landmark initiative and eager to begin the work that will make RSM water sustainable now and for generations to come.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Latest News

SJCratehearing

San Juan Capistrano Rate Update

Posted on: July 13, 2023
Drought2022dryland

Running Dry: From Concern to Crisis

Posted on: October 4, 2022
NickSalbFamilyPhoto

We will miss our friend, Nick Salb

Posted on: November 10, 2021
SouthRanchLSsewerleak

Wastewater Leak in Coto de Caza

Posted on: November 10, 2021
SMWDLoveStory

Employee Spotlight: Rainy & Kenny

Posted on: November 3, 2021
Charles Gibson

Opinion: President Charles Gibson

Posted on: October 4, 2021
SMWDcrewDucks

Duckling Rescue

Posted on: June 30, 2021
smwd.com-classes

Landscape Virtual Classes

Posted on: June 25, 2021
Ron Johnson

Employee Spotlight

Posted on: April 1, 2021
FrankUrySwornIntoOffice

Board Approves Lower Tax Rates

Posted on: September 10, 2020
SMWDpreparedphoto

Water Service During a Power Outage

Posted on: October 9, 2019
FrankUrySwornIntoOffice

Frank Ury Appointed to Board of Directors

Posted on: September 5, 2019
last 24 hours

Water Levels Rise by 43 Million Gallons

Posted on: February 20, 2019

2018 Year In Review

Posted on: January 16, 2019
paying bills

Having financial difficulties?

Posted on: January 28, 2019
World-Toilet-Day_ss_505630750

World Toilet Day

Posted on: November 19, 2018
Nov Dec On Tap cover

On Tap Newsletter Now Available

Posted on: November 1, 2018
ImagineADayWithoutWater

Imagine a Day Without Water

Posted on: October 10, 2018
WaterProfessionalsAppreciationWeek

Meet the Faces + Places of SMWD

Posted on: October 6, 2018
Upper Chiquita Reservoir

Ready to Respond in an Emergency

Posted on: September 13, 2018
BloodDrive7-18-18

District to Host Blood Drive

Posted on: July 10, 2018