Encinitas schools and homes gained millions of gallons of recycled water this week when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District launched a new distribution system for its Village Park Recycled Water Project.

The project, which started taking shape in spring 2015, can offset up to 14 millions of gallons of potable water use each year, officials said. It will eventually serve more than 20 schools and homeowner’s associations, and will bring the district’s total recycled water usage to 20 percent, said Kimberly Thorner, general manager of the district.