Las Flores Recycled Water

Santa Margarita Water District is piping recycled water to Las Flores to increase the amount of recycled water used for local irrigation. By using more recycled water, the District will save 65 million gallons of imported drinking water for essential indoor use.

The District will build a new recycled water distribution system for irrigation in the Las Flores area.  Approximately 12,500 feet (or 2½ miles) of recycled water pipeline (“Purple Pipe”) will be constructed beneath the roadways. This new distribution system will be completely separate from the drinking water distribution system and used for irrigation only. The District will increase the delivery of recycled water for irrigation by approximately 65 million gallons per year. 

Like most water districts in South Orange County, SMWD relies on imported water from hundreds of miles away from Northern California and the Colorado River to meet its customer demand. To meet the current demand for irrigation of many parks, greenbelts, golf courses, and other common areas, SMWD uses both recycled water and imported drinking water. By expanding the recycled water distribution system, SMWD will increase recycled water usage which will significantly reduce dependence on imported potable water for irrigation.  

Project Overview

  • $5.4 million investment in infrastructure
  • 2.5 miles of recycled water pipeline beneath the roadways
  • Recycled water is safe for use on common areas

Project Benefits

  • Drought-proof water supply for irrigating common areas
  • Reduces dependence on imported water
  • Saves 65 million gallons of drinking water 

Construction Overview

Phase 1
  • June 8 - July 31, 2022
  • Monday - Saturday 
  • 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturdays as needed to complete the work while school is out of session
  • Antonio Parkway from Sable/Sweetwater to Meandering Trail
  • The construction schedule is subject to weather and other factors

Community Communications

- Letter sent to residents on May 23

- Community meeting held on June 8

- Follow us on social media for updates - Facebook, Instagram & NextDoor

Construction Impacts by Street/Community 

The detailed map below includes the scheduled dates of construction and impacts on the residents and motorists. 

Las Flores Construction Map_PHASE 1_11-01

Construction Impacts By Neighborhood 

Las Flores Construction Map_PHASE 1_11-02
Las Flores Construction Map_PHASE 1_11-03
Las Flores Construction Map_PHASE 1_11-04
Las Flores Construction Map_PHASE 1_11-05

This high-level overview map provides a quick overview of the entire project and its estimated timing.

Las Flores Recycled Water Expansion Map_p4_sf

All recycled water produced by SMWD for irrigation meets or exceeds, the stringent water quality requirements for California as established by the State Water Quality Control Board and California Department of Public Health.