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(5) Wastewater solutions should be based on actual risk, not uniform mandates. <br />Wastewater planning and investment decisions should apply proportionate, risk -based <br />approaches that site -specific conditions such as soil characteristics, proximity to <br />waterways, elevation, density, and system performance. <br />(6) Preventing contamination of water resources is non-negotiable. Wastewater systems <br />should be designed, operated, and maintained to prevent contamination of groundwater, <br />streams, and coastal waters. <br />(7) State and County coordination is essential for workable wastewater policy. The <br />County should coordinate with State agencies to pursue context -sensitive wastewater <br />solutions that prioritize areas with the greatest public health and environmental risk while <br />minimizing unnecessary financial and logistical on residents. <br />(8) Reclaimed water can reduce pressure on limited potable supplies. Treated wastewater <br />and reclaimed water should be reused where to conserve potable supplies and support <br />irrigation, landscaping, agriculture, fire protection, and other suitable non -potable uses. <br />(9) On -site system improvements should be targeted where problems are documented. <br />Upgrades to on -site, decentralized, or individual wastewater systems should be prioritized <br />in areas with demonstrated environmental or public health risks. <br />Section 5-3-2. Actions. <br />(a) Effective planning begins with understanding existing systems. The department of <br />environmental management shall maintain an inventory of both public and private <br />wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal infrastructure and regularly assess system <br />capacity and deficiencies. <br />(b) Capital investments should focus on reliability and risk reduction. The department of <br />environmental management shall plan and prioritize capital improvements to address <br />system failures, capacity constraints, and documented environmental or public health <br />concerns. <br />(c) Land use decisions must reflect wastewater service realities. The planning department <br />shall align land use designations and development approvals with available or planned <br />wastewater capacity. <br />(d) Different conditions require different wastewater solutions. The department of <br />environmental management and the planning department shall coordinate with the State to <br />develop and apply standards for centralized, decentralized, and on -site wastewater systems <br />consistent with site conditions and public health requirements. <br />(e) Areas with the highest risk should receive attention first. The department of <br />environmental management shall prioritize wastewater improvements in locations where <br />system conditions pose risks to groundwater or surface water quality. <br />(f) Water reuse should be planned as part of the overall wastewater system. The <br />department of environmental management shall incorporate reclaimed water reclamation <br />opportunities into wastewater system planning and operations where feasible. <br />38 <br />