Durham, N.C. — Landscapers, cleaning businesses and others that use large amounts of water can get reclaimed water in bulk from the City of Durham.

The Department of Water Management will allow local businesses to pick up 250 gallons at a time for irrigation, decoration and other non-drinking uses. Businesses must attend a mandatory one-time training class in order to become certified to use the water.

Vicki Westbrook, deputy director of the City’s Department of Water Management, said, “While reclaimed water has been disinfected and is clean and safe for many uses, the law requires certain precautions to minimize human contact. For instance, it may not be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, filling pools or watering edible plants."

Interested parties can call the department or sign up for the certification online.