Memphis does not run a citywide recycled-water purple-pipe network because abundant aquifer drinking water makes potable reuse unnecessary, but treated effluent from the Maxson plant is discharged to the Mississippi River.
Unlike water-stressed Sun Belt cities, Memphis has not built a purple-pipe recycled-water distribution network. Wastewater from the T.E. Maxson and Stiles treatment plants is discharged under TDEC NPDES permits to the Mississippi River. Some industrial users recirculate process water on-site, and golf courses occasionally use non-potable wells, but municipal recycled water for irrigation is not widely available. Future capacity is contemplated only as part of long-range Memphis 3.0 sustainability planning.
No private fines. Industrial dischargers are regulated under separate TDEC NPDES permits enforced by the state, not by a municipal recycled-water ordinance.
See how Memphis's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.