In one of the most environmentally-friendly records yet, Orange County Water District (OCWD) and Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) in California have succeeded in setting the Guinness World Records title for the Most wastewater recycled to drinking water in 24 hours.

The attempt was inspired by the increase in extreme weather and droughts that the region had been experiencing.

Organizers are hoping the achievement will raise awareness and understanding of the importance of water recycling in California and beyond.

Most wastewater recycled to drinking water in 24 hour

A total of 100,008 million gallons of clean drinking water was produced in one day thanks to the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), which is the one of the largest water purification facility of its kind.

This achievement commemorates the 10th anniversary of the facility, a collaboration between the two districts.

"This is a time to celebrate and learn about this proven technology that is so vital to sustaining our communities and our natural environment. We have the technology now to produce safe drinking water that ensures long-term reliability of local supplies," OCSD Board Chairman and GWRS Steering Committee Vice-Chair, Greg Sebourn.

The record attempt began at 3:30 p.m. on 15 February and ended the following day where witnesses and official adjudicator Phillip Robertson observed the GWRS machine of the plant indicate the accumulated water that had passed through the facility and completed a cycle of the sanitisation process.

Most wastewater recycled to drinking water in 24 hour 2

An expert representative with experience of World Health Organization was also present to ensure the water exceeded quality standards.

Once verified, celebrations by organizers included a community toast with recycled water from the facility.

Most wastewater recycled to drinking water in 24 hour 3

"This was an incredible attempt that impacted the local community and environment. It provided perspective on the process of making water safe for consumption. We congratulate the efforts of Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District and welcome them into the Guinness World Records family," Philip Robertson. 

As of now, the GWRS produces 100 million gallons a day of recycled water to inject into the Orange County Groundwater Basin, managed by OCWD, to increase local drinking water supplies and to prevent seawater intrusion.

Work will soon be under way to expand its capacity to produce 130 million gallons a day of purified recycled water—enough for 1 million people.

"For more than a century, California has relied on rivers like the Colorado and Sacramento for our water. Today, we demonstrated we have new rivers to utilize. It makes perfect sense to use the technology we have today to use the water we have right in our backyard and recycle it for drinking water," climate expert, Bill Patzert.