Why Californians May Drink More Toilet Water in 2015

California faces a severe water shortage despite its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Orange County addresses this by recycling wastewater through a sophisticated purification process, producing millions of gallons of drinking water daily. This initiative is driven by necessity due to population growth and limited water resources. The process involves microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light to ensure purity. While effective, the project faces public skepticism and political challenges, yet it remains a cost-effective solution compared to alternatives.

What is the primary reason Orange County decided to recycle its wastewater?

• To create a tourist attraction

• To save money on water bills

• To address the growing population's water needs

• To reduce pollution in the Pacific Ocean

What is the first step in the water purification process at the Orange County facility?

• Ultraviolet light treatment

• Microfiltration

• Reverse osmosis

• Chemical treatment

How does reverse osmosis purify water in the Orange County facility?

• By boiling the water

• By using a solid plastic membrane to filter out impurities

• By adding chlorine to the water

• By freezing the water

What additional step is taken to ensure the water is pure after reverse osmosis?

• Ultraviolet light treatment

• Freezing the water

• Adding chlorine

• Boiling the water

Why is the Orange County water recycling project considered cost-effective?

• It eliminates the need for water conservation

• It uses free energy sources

• It requires no maintenance

• It is cheaper than desalination