California Regulators Approve Recycling Sewage into Drinking Water

California regulators have approved rules for treating sewage and turning it into drinking water, a practice that has been used for decades but never before for direct consumption. The decision comes after years of scientific reviews and in response to the state's recurring droughts. The treated wastewater must meet stringent quality standards, including the removal of pathogens and viruses, before being added back into the drinking water system. While building the necessary treatment facilities is expensive and time-consuming, larger, well-funded cities are expected to lead the way in implementing this water recycling technology.