Be honest – how do you feel about drinking water that may have been in your toilet a short time ago? InventHelp’s Invention Girl admits that her first reaction was not very positive, but after some research, the idea has become a bit more palatable.

Over the next 20 years, scientists predict that dry areas will become even drier, leading many to wonder how to ensure that water supplies meet demand.

Take California, for example. Famed for its sunny climate, California is also the most populous state by a longshot. The demands of a large population living in an arid climate have scientists concerned about a future water shortage.

Some believe that recycling sewage water through an extensive purification process is a solution. The technology to accomplish this task already exists.

The Groundwater Replenishment System takes water from the toilet, treats it and releases it through a $490 million system of purification tanks, filters and pipes. Then, the water flows in lakes, through sand and clay, and back into the groundwater supply. A few months later, it travels back through your home faucet.

Sound futuristic? It’s not – in fact, the system is already well on its way to becoming the norm in Orange County, Calif.

According to the project Web site, the system reduces the amount of wastewater dispersed into the ocean, prevents drought-related shortages, and cleans the water so well that it’s beyond the current standard.

Proponents of these treatments systems hope that educating the public about the benefits of recycling wastewater will help people to get over the “yuck” factor.

Even if the toilet-to-tap system doesn’t catch on, it’s clear to all of us at InventHelp that we’ll have to find new ways to get water to the places it’s needed.