Water is one of our most important natural resources. Oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds cover well over 70% of the earth's surface. It's part of every living thing.

All of us depend upon water for survival. We use it for farming, industry, travel, recreation, and play. In fact, there isn't a day that goes by that any one of us will go without water.


The Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility treats millions of gallons of wastewater a day and returns them safely to the environment.

Yet, the actual supply of clean fresh water is limited. It comprises only 3% of the world's entire water supply. And every time we use it, we pollute it. It becomes used water—what we call wastewater—contaminated with human waste, salts, soaps, food scraps, oils, chemicals, and more. If returned to our waterways untreated, this kind of water would spread diseases and harm our fish, plant and wildlife. Eventually it would harm us.

When small amounts of wastewater pollute streams and rivers, nature's own bacteria and microorganisms purify the water by consuming the wastes and restoring the oxygen balance. When large amounts of pollution occur, however, the oxygen balance necessary for aquatic life is upset. Mother Nature is at a loss and it is up to us to give her a helping hand.