The idea of turning waste water into drinking water is gaining momentum among government bodies in Southern California and across the nation, but regulators question how and when the concept will become palatable to the widespread public.

 

Local, state and federal officials discussed the environmental, health and financial impact of the sometimes derisively called “toilet to tap” technology, or recycled water reuse systems, during a panel session Tuesday at Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, as drought conditions and population concerns are pressing public agencies to come up with cost-effective and safe solutions to water supply problems.