Pure Water Oceanside Is Region's First Operational Water Recycling Facility

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego

March 22, 2022

The first operational water recycling facility in San Diego County officially opened Tuesday in Oceanside, producing over 3 million gallons a day of drought-proof drinking water.

The $70 million Pure Water Oceanside facility uses ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to recycle waste water to supply more than 20% of the city’s needs.

The source of the recycled supply used to create purified water is the city’s own San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility.

“Not only will the project safeguard against ongoing drought concerns, but it will also improve the quality and quantity of our local aquifer and reduce our reliance on imported water, ensuring clean and reliable water is available for future generations,” said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez.

The facility is the first of three recycling projects to open in San Diego County. Construction is underway for the giant Pure Water San Diego project and the smaller East County Advanced Water Purification Program is in the design phase.

Oceanside’s facility near Whelan Lake opened on World Water Day, a United Nations-sponsored observance of the importance of fresh water, and comes as California endures a record drought.

“Today we made history by moving one step closer to achieving the goal of greater water independence for not only our city, residents and businesses, but also the region as a whole,” said Cari Dale, water utilities director for the city.

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