Secondary water safety

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Secondary water is different from drinking water and should only be used to water yards.
Drinking or playing in secondary water can make you sick.

Secondary water is different from drinking water.

Water flows from a black kitchen faucet into a sink with a vase of flowers nearby.

Drinking water (also called culinary water) is treated water in your home and is safe to drink.

A water tap with droplets falling, mounted on a pipe next to a concrete wall.

Secondary water (also called pressurized irrigation water) is untreated water outside and should be used only to water lawns and landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Secondary water is not treated, so it may contain harmful germs. These germs could make you sick when you drink the water or get it in your mouth.

If you get sick with these germs, you may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In some cases, you might become severely ill and need to go to the hospital. These germs are especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people who have weakened immune systems.

If you have questions about secondary water safety, please call the Utah Department of Health and Human Services at 801-538-6191 or email [email protected].

If you have questions about your health, contact your healthcare provider.

To find out if you have secondary water at your home, check with your city or water provider. You can visit this map of secondary water service boundaries and zoom in to see who your secondary water provider might be.