Suitable Plants for Recycled Water Irrigation

All landscapes, whether irrigated with recycled or potable water, rely on appropriately matching the plants to the site and space. How a landscape responds to irrigation with recycled water depends on the components of the specific water (water quality), the soil conditions, such as texture and drainage, the salt sensitivity of the species in the landscape, and how the landscape is irrigated and managed.

Successful landscapes require careful attention to irrigation management and fostering healthy soils regardless of the water source. While most landscapes perform well when irrigated with recycled water, salt-sensitive plants that are irrigated with certain recycled waters may need extra care.

Plants that do well when irrigated with recycled water often include drought-tolerant native species as well as those from similar Mediterranean and dry climates. Some landscapes, however, are comprised of a variety of plants having a range of salt tolerance and soil that responds differently to recycled water.

The Dublin San Ramon Services District encourages recycled water site managers to utilize the resources below to select suitable plants, monitor the landscape's response to recycled water, and adjust landscape management as needed to maintain a healthy and attractive landscape.