Non-Potable Water and Sustainable Golf in the Coachella Valley

Water is one of the most valuable resources in the desert, and how we manage it today plays a critical role in the long-term sustainability of our communities. Across the Coachella Valley, non-potable and recycled water systems are helping cities, golf courses, and landscapes thrive while protecting drinking water supplies for the future.

What Is Non-Potable Water?

Non-potable water is water that has been treated for safe use but is not intended for drinking. In the Coachella Valley, this often includes recycled wastewater and canal water that has undergone extensive treatment and monitoring. While it is not used for consumption, non-potable water is ideal for irrigation, landscaping, and other outdoor uses.

Using non-potable water for these purposes allows communities to significantly reduce reliance on potable water and groundwater resources.

How Recycled Water Supports Golf Courses and Landscapes

Golf courses are uniquely positioned to benefit from non-potable water systems. Irrigation demands are high, and using recycled water helps preserve potable supplies while maintaining healthy turf and landscapes.

In the Coachella Valley, the Coachella Valley Water District plays a central role in delivering non-potable and recycled water to golf courses, agriculture, parks, and residential communities. These systems help balance environmental responsibility with the region’s recreational and aesthetic needs.

By partnering with customers such as golf courses and HOAs, CVWD continues to expand recycled water use throughout the valley, supporting sustainability without compromising quality or performance.

Expanding Non-Potable Water Infrastructure

In recent years, significant investments have been made to expand non-potable water pipelines and delivery systems throughout the valley. These improvements allow more communities and facilities to transition irrigation needs away from potable water.

New pipeline connections along key corridors are enabling additional golf courses and developments to receive non-potable water, increasing overall efficiency and reducing long-term strain on groundwater and imported water supplies.

What This Means for Rancho Mirage

Like many desert cities, Rancho Mirage is focused on smart water planning that protects drinking water while still supporting beautiful outdoor spaces. Non-potable water is a key part of that approach.

Through regional partnerships and long-term infrastructure planning, non-potable water is increasingly used for large-scale irrigation and landscaped areas. This strategy supports conservation goals while maintaining the high-quality outdoor environments that residents and visitors expect.

Why Non-Potable Water Matters

Using non-potable and recycled water helps:

• Preserve potable water for drinking and household use
• Reduce dependence on groundwater
• Support sustainable landscaping and golf course irrigation
• Improve long-term water reliability in a desert climate

As water demands grow and climate conditions continue to evolve, recycled water will remain a cornerstone of responsible water management in the Coachella Valley.

The Springs Perspective

At The Springs, sustainability is about thoughtful stewardship that supports both the environment and the member experience. Learning more about non-potable water helps our community better understand how golf courses and landscapes can remain vibrant while using resources responsibly.

Educational programs like the Speaker Series are designed to spark these conversations, offering insight into the systems and partnerships that help preserve the desert environment we all enjoy.