Overview

Biosolids are a product of the water resource recovery process that serve as a renewable source of nutrients and organic matter. Biosolids are federally recognized and regulated pursuant to the Clean Water Act and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 503 Biosolids Rule. Under these laws and regulations, biosolids must achieve science-based quality standards, be safeguarded through pretreatment/source control programs, and have their use and disposal reported on annually.

Biosolids also represent a nutrient-rich, organic material that can be in integral part of the circular resource economy we rely upon in modern society. As long as people continue to flush, there will be biosolids. The key is to use this locally generated resource in an efficient and beneficial manner. This can lead to numerous benefits, including:

  • Reduced reliance on fossil-fuel-based, inorganic fertilizers
  • Improved soil and crop health, and improved crop yields
  • Increased soil water holding capacity, reducing overall water usage
  • Stored carbon in the soil, reducing impacts of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Restored scarred landscapes to functional ecosystems

CASA’s biosolids program was created in 2003 to:

  • Represent and advocate for sound biosolids management in the State of California
  • Engage in dialogue among regulators and the regulated communities
  • Inform CASA members, regulatory agencies, and surrounding communities about important changes that impact biosolids and local clean water agencies.
  • Identify and support ongoing research that helps to answer pressing questions and support science-based regulations.
  • Demonstrate support for integrating circular resources like biosolids into broad-reaching environmental initiatives that benefit our local communities and the larger global circular water society efforts.

Biosolids have demonstrated benefits when used in accordance with best practices and established regulations and are a key in realizing a circular resource economy.

CASA Biosolids Fact Sheets

Biosolids Guidance Resources

California Regulatory Documents

Regional Association Resources

Federal

Key Regulations & Issues

Regulations in Development

Research

WEF Biosolids Convening

Key Research

Climate

End-Use

Reclamation

Overall

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