Beneficial Use Matrix — Domestic Use
Potable Use
Potable use generally requires a very high level of water treatment and water quality. The US EPA regulates the quality of the nation’s drinking water by issuing and enforcing safe drinking water standards [PDF]. Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), US EPA sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for approximately 90 constituents in drinking water. The MCLs for the primary standards include biologic contamination, disinfectants and disinfection by-products, organic and inorganic chemicals, and radionuclides. These standards are legally enforceable and apply to public water systems as outlined in 40 CFR 141 [PDF].
Secondary water standards are non-enforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. However, states may choose to adopt them as enforceable standards. The secondary standards are outlined in 40 CFR 143.
Non-Potable Use
Produced water can be used for non-potable uses such as turf grass and landscape irrigation. The water quality requirements for turf grass and landscape irrigation would be similar to agricultural irrigation as described in Beneficial Use for Agriculture page.