Watch CBS News

Work Begins On New San Jose Water Treatment Plant

SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- San Jose water officials have broken ground on what they are calling one of the most advanced water treatment facilities in the country.

The plant in Alviso will be part of one of the biggest water recycling programs in the nation according to San Jose Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.

"It takes water that has been used and cleans it to the point where it can be used for non-potable sources," she said.

KCBS' Betsy Gebhart Reports:

When it is completed in 2012, Lofgren said the plant will produce up to 10 million gallons of useable, recycled water a day.

It will also reduce the salinity of the recycled water supply, which will help to protect groundwater supplies as well as benefit protected habitats and species in the South Bay.

Silicon Valley companies will also be able to use it for landscaping and Lofgren said it will greatly reduce demand on the drinking water supply.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.