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Reclaimed water plays an important role in water resource, wastewater and ecosystem management. As Floridians, we face the critical challenge of supplying enough water to meet the needs of a growing population in the most economical way possible. Through reuse, or the beneficial use of reclaimed water for non-drinking water needs, many municipalities are delaying or eliminating expensive water plant construction. Numerous communities in Florida have been using reclaimed water for many years as a key part of their integrated water resource management plans. In Delray Beach, we have been using reclaimed water since 2008.

When reclaimed water is used, it eases the demand on traditional, often limited, sources of water. By recycling or reusing water, communities can still grow while minimizing or even reducing their impact on the water resources around them. Water reuse involves using highly treated domestic wastewater for a new purpose. Reclaimed water systems are continually monitored to ensure the health and welfare of the public and the environment are protected. Using reclaimed water also reduces discharges to deep injection wells, recharges ground water and postpones costly capital investments in the development of new, more costly water sources and supplies.

Reclaimed water is an excellent water source for:

• Irrigating golf courses, residences, highway and street medians and other landscaped areas
• Recharging groundwater

WHAT IS RECLAIMED WATER?

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater with a clear appearance, that is non-staining and odorless, and is bacteriologically safe. It contains low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are beneficial to plant and turf growth and may reduce the amount of fertilizer needed to maintain lawns and landscapes.

IS RECLAIMED WATER SAFE?

Reclaimed water must meet strict standards established and regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These standards require high levels of treatment, including filtration and disinfection, and continuous monitoring of water quality. Delray Beach’s reclaimed water system is monitored and tested for quality 24 hours a day. Drinking reclaimed water is not allowed under current regulations and ordinances; however, there is no known danger to an individual’s health from contact when reclaimed water is used for its intended purpose.

DO YOU HAVE TO USE RECLAIMED WATER FOR IRRIGATION?

If reclaimed water service is currently available to your property, you should use reclaimed water for irrigation. The city prohibits the use of drinking water for irrigation when reclaimed water service is available. New developments that are near the city’s reclaimed water system must use reclaimed water for irrigation if required by development approvals.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR WATER AND SEWER BILL AFTER YOU HOOK UP TO RECLAIMED WATER?

Customers using reclaimed water for irrigation should have lower water and sewer bills than those who continue to use drinking water for irrigation if they do not overuse the resource. The city has adopted customer rates for reclaimed water that are set at a lower cost than what you would pay for using the same amount of drinking water. In the long term, your use of reclaimed water allows for drinking water plant capacity to be stretched further and more of the water produced to be  used for drinking and household purposes. This will help keep  future water bills low. For more information, contact the Delray Beach Finance Department 561-243-7101 or UtilitiesCustomerService@mydelraybeach.com.

WHAT IS THE RECLAIMED WATER PRESSURE?

Irrigation systems should be designed for a reclaimed water pressure between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch. Pressures will vary throughout the system depending on customer demand and time of day.

WHAT OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM?

You are required to have an approved backflow prevention device installed on your drinking water system before you can receive reclaimed water. This device is installed next to your drinking water meter to prevent reclaimed water from entering the public drinking water system should you accidentally cross connect the pipelines.

SHOULD YOU CONSERVE RECLAIMED WATER?

Reclaimed water is a valuable resource. Water efficiently, utilize mulch to conserve water, and use rain sensors where possible.

CAN YOU USE RECLAIMED WATER FOR GROWING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?

The primary use for reclaimed water is landscape irrigation and it should not use it to water edible plants or produce. Reclaimed water cannot be sprayed directly on fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw and are not peeled or skinned prior to eating (such as lettuce and tomatoes). Drip irrigation systems must be used for irrigating these types of crops with reclaimed water.

Please contact Utilities Department at (561) 243-7312 for additional information pertaining to the use of reclaimed water.