"The city of Wichita Falls, Texas, may soon become one of the first in the country where half of the drinking water comes directly from wastewater.

Yes, that includes water from toilets.

The plan to recycle the water became necessary after three years of extreme drought, which has also imposed some harsh restrictions on Wichita Falls residents, says Mayor Glenn Barham.

'No outside irrigation whatsoever with potable water,' he says. 'Car washes are closed, for instance, one day a week. If you drain your pool to do maintenance you're not allowed to fill it.'"

Shelley Kofler reports for NPR's Morning Edition May 6, 2014. [2]