From a landscape perspective, the most important item of interest is the nitrogen content in the water; it really varies in content from source to source.  Nitrogen is one of the main reasons we want to avoid over-fertilizing the landscape.  The use of too much nitrogen can stimulate excessive plant growth, encourage development of pest & disease problems, increase watering needs, encourage plant stress, runoff properties and pollute waterways, and waste money.  The great thing about nitrogen in your reclaimed irrigation water is that it's like free fertilizer.  However, it's important to know what is being applied through irrigation so you don't over-fertilize.  This is often overlooked.

"Irrigation suitability" laboratory tests of reclaimed water are inexpensive and will provide important values and recommendations for fertilization.  Or, if you know the water's nitrogen concentration, there are formulas available that can help to convert the nutritional content of reclaimed water into amount of nitrogen is being applied.  I've encountered some "mysterious" plant problems recently that I was able to trace back to excessive nitrogen applied through reclaimed water.  It's not a problem to use this water source, but it is really important to reduce nitrogen applications to account for it.  Feel free to contact me with questions.

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