San Jose Water today announced a new project to purify recycled water into high-quality drinking water.
The proof-of-concept demonstration will test direct potable reuse, or DPR, an advanced treatment process that purifies recycled wastewater in alignment with California’s DPR regulations.
“Our goal is to test this new technology to see if it can become a reliable and affordable long-term water source for our customers,” said Tanya Moniz-Witten, president of San Jose Water. “Our mission is simple: to deliver affordable, reliable water that puts customers first.”
SJW’s DPR pilot project includes design and implementation of a mobile water purification unit that will cost around $3 million.
Having a mobile unit allows for deployment throughout SJW’s service area to demonstrate performance and support community education.
The company anticipates the demonstration system will be available within two years, including time for testing and evaluation in accordance with state regulations.
SJW has engaged a design consultant to guide the initial phases of engineering and regulatory compliance.
The company is also engaging with other water agencies, such as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and South Bay Water Recycling, in sharing technical insights and best practices to help advance innovative treatment solutions and improve regional resilience.
“Developing new water supplies will require partnership and innovation across the region,” Moniz-Witten said. “We are engaging with local agencies, as well as community stakeholders, to share knowledge and explore how recycled water purification can strengthen water reliability while protecting affordability.”
Colorado approved the nation’s first statewide DPR regulations in November 2023, followed by California in October 2024 and Arizona in March 2025.
