BWS Initiatives > Water Recycling

Using Water Wisely


Recycled water helps meet our island's water needs. The Board of Water Supply is working to maximize our precious water resources and ensure that Oahu's residents have the water resources they need through its Water Recycling Program. Prior to the program, treated wastewater was disposed of into the ocean.

Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to a level suitable for industrial processing, irrigation and other non-drinking uses. Common uses include cooling towers, irrigation of golf courses, landscaping, and ornamental ponds. Recycled water is not for drinking, but is safe to handle and for other non-drinking uses. Recycled water is available year round, even in times of drought. It is good for the environment and it costs less than other new water sources.

Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility

The Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility (HWRF) in Ewa, opened in August 2000, produces R-1 recycled water for irrigation and RO or reverse osmosis recycled water for industrial uses. HWRF is the largest water recycling facility in Hawaii and is designed to generate 12 million gallons of recycled water per day.


Updated: 03/17/2021