If you have recently driven by the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant (MWRP), you may have noticed some construction activity. The MWRP is currently undergoing a plant expansion which will increase the capacity of the plant from approximately 18 million gallons per day (MGD) to 28 MGD. IRWD's proactive long-term planning identified the need upgrade to MWRP in order to meet the projected 60 percent increased recycled water demands by the year 2025. Expansion includes a new headworks facility, primary clarifier, electrical building, ultra-violet disinfection facility, membrane bioreactor facility, and modification to the influent trunk sewer line. Construction, which began in September 2009, is anticipated to be complete in 2012. For safety reasons tours of the plant will no longer be conducted during construction.

Recycled water comprises about 20 percent of IRWD supply. That's enough water to provide landscape irrigation for 80 percent of the district's business and community customers including parks, school grounds and golf courses. As California continues to experience drought conditions, every gallon of water recycled by IRWD, a gallon of drinking water is spared for drinking purposes only.

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