Reclaimed water and recycled water are often used interchangeably across the United States, but some states and municipal agencies define them slightly differently.
Both terms refer to wastewater that has undergone treatment at a municipal plant, so it can be reused for environmental benefits, irrigation, or non‑drinking purposes.
• Reclaimed water typically describes treated wastewater that is safe for irrigation, industrial supply, and various
environmental uses.
• Recycled water may emphasize the repeated reuse cycle, where water is treated, reused, and recycled again through
advanced treatment processes.
Neither reclaimed nor recycled water is usually considered potable unless it undergoes additional advanced treatment to meet drinking water standards. However, both forms of reused water play a major role in united efforts to conserve water supply and reduce wastewater discharge.