SAWS Water Integration
Recycled water availability, cost model, and sustainability ROI.
Recycled Water
100%
OpEx Savings
$400K+
Water Cost Comparison
Cost per 1,000 gallons and Sustainability Score
Recycled Water Availability
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) operates the largest direct recycled water system in the nation, spanning over 130 miles. This is the "Green" side of the Green & Gray arbitrage opportunity.
Sustainability ROI
Using Recycled Water ("Purple Pipe") is a massive de-risking factor, providing a regulatory shield against Stage 3/4 drought restrictions imposed on potable water users. Water Rights (SAWS) permitting timeline: 6–9 Months.
Cost Model
Potable Water Cost (SAWS General Class): ~$3.08 per 1,000 gallons. Recycled Water Cost (SAWS Flat Rate): Historically trades at a 30-50% discount to potable rates. Modeled at $1.63-$1.80 per 1,000 gallons, or $2.30-$2.60 per 1,000 gallons.
OpEx Savings
Annual OpEx savings using purple pipe for a 100MW facility: $400,000+ per year. This reduces water OpEx by approximately 20-30%.
Technical Requirements
Integration mandates a completely separate, purple color-coded piping system (Dual Plumbing). Recycled water usage (Type II Reclaimed Water) requires all exposed piping to be purple and separated by 9 feet horizontally from potable water lines.
Filtration
On-site tertiary filtration and chemical treatment (e.g., acid feed) are required to manage higher Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in recycled water and maintain cooling tower cycles of concentration (CoC) at 4–5.
Strategic Requirement
Site selection must prioritize parcels within 1 mile of the existing Purple Pipe network. Purple Pipe trenching costs are estimated at $250-$400 per linear foot, making extension costs prohibitive.