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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
