Resources for Onsite Non-Potable Water Programs

National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems builds upon years of research and collaboration by leading by water utilities, public health officials, and national research foundations. The materials below include resources to support local implementation of onsite non-potable water reuse programs. Check back for updates and publications from the commission.

National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems Highlights and Accomplishments March 2016–April 2019

Read about the National Blue Ribbon Commission’s highlights and accomplishments, including publications, research accomplishments, policy impacts, and more. More >

Making the Utility Case for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems

The National Blue Ribbon Commission developed this report to help water and wastewater utilities, local government agencies, and other interested stakeholders understand the benefits and drivers behind onsite non-potable reuse, how other utilities have addressed potential challenges, and best practices for the ongoing operation of these systems. More >

A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems

December 2017: This guidebook establishes water quality criteria and standards for ONWS and presents pathways for implementation and managment of these water systems at the local and/or state level. More >

Model State Regulation for Onsite Non-potable Water Programs

December 2017: Template state legislation for establishing regulatory programs for onsite non-potable water systems. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems and the model program rules. More >

Model Local Ordinance for Onsite Non-potable Water Programs

December 2017: Template local ordinance for establishing regulatory programs for onsite non-potable water systems. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems and the model program rules.

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Model Program Rules for Onsite Non-potable Water Programs

December 2017: Model program rules should be established alongside state or local legislation, and regulators should modify them to meet the needs of their communities. These model program rules provide specific details on implementation of an ONWS, including system design criteria, permitting, cross-connection control, reporting, notification, and enforcement. Please reference A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems for additional information. More >

Technical Appendix: A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for ONWS

December 2017: Technical appendix and additional reources to accompany A Guidebook for Developing and Implementing Regulations for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems and the model policy documents and program rules. More >

Risk-Based Framework for the Development of Public Health Guidance for Decentralized Non-Potable Water Systems

March 2017: This panel report provides a risk-based framework to develop public health guidance for decentralized non-potable water systems. More >

National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems Factsheet

June 2016: Fact sheet describing the work of the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems More >

Blueprint for Onsite Water Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide for Developing a Local Program to Manage Onsite Water Systems

September 2014: A product of the Innovation in Urban Water Systems Meeting, this blueprint provides a step-by-step guide for local utilities and municipalities interested in deploying onsite nonpotable water programs based on best practices and standards from successful systems. More >

Innovation in Urban Water Systems

October 2013: In September 2012, the City and County of San Francisco adopted the Onsite Water Reuse for Commercial, Multi-family, and Mixed Use Development Ordinance. In October 2013, the ordinance was appended to allow district-scale water systems consisting of two or more buildings sharing non-potable water. More information can be found here. More >

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Non-potable Water Program

October 2013: In September 2012, the City and County of San Francisco adopted the Onsite Water Reuse for Commercial, Multi-family, and Mixed Use Development Ordinance. In October 2013, the ordinance was appended to allow district-scale water systems consisting of two or more buildings sharing non-potable water. More information on the legislation, projects under development, and the SFPUC’s program can be found here. More >