Answering Your Questions About Tampa's Reclaimed Water

Using reclaimed water for irrigation helps maximize Tampa’s drinking water supply. Tampa’s primary drinking water source is the Hillsborough River reservoir. During the annual dry season, typically March through June, rainfall decreases and irrigation demand increases cause the reservoir water level to drop. Irrigating with reclaimed water helps to ensure a sufficient quantity of quality drinking water for future generations.

Why reclaimed water? With an ever-growing population and a finite supply of available drinking water, finding new water supply sources is critical. One way to conserve is to use reclaimed water for irrigation. In fact, water conservation and reclaimed water use are statewide alternative water supply initiatives supported by the Florida Legislature. Residential water use studies show that more than 50 percent of residential water use in Florida is for watering lawns and landscapes. Using reclaimed water clearly offers a proven method for helping conserve our drinking water supplies.

Enrollment

How can I get reclaimed water service?

Currently, residential customers are only eligible to enroll for reclaimed water in if they live within the boundaries of the existing reclaimed water service area. 

I live in the existing reclaimed water service area. How do I sign up?

If you are in the service area and have not enrolled in the program, you can sign up by calling  (813) 282-7827 or by completing the application and mailing it to the address indicated on the form.

I live in the reclaimed water service area, but I do NOT want reclaimed water service. Do I have to sign up?

No. Participation is voluntary. If you do not wish to have reclaimed water, simply do nothing. Reclaimed water meters will only be installed on properties that enroll. If you do not sign up, you will not have access to reclaimed water and you will not be billed for it.

Why is reclaimed water being offered in some neighborhoods and not others?

Reclaimed water service areas were selected based on their concentration of heavy irrigation and their proximity to the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. These factors were important in ensuring the economic feasibility of the project.

I think I already signed up, how can I be sure?

You can check to see if your property is signed up for reclaimed water by calling (813) 282-7827.

Why is participating voluntary?

Not all people have the same need for reclaimed water. The City did not want people without irrigation needs to be required to participate.

How much does it cost to enroll in reclaimed water?

To receive residential service, a standard ¾-inch reclaimed water meter and backflow prevention device must be installed on your property. Residents who sign up prior to construction passing through their neighborhood will get the meter installation for $375, plus an application fee of $15. Customers will also be responsible for all associated permit costs. Businesses and other non-residential customers who have special meter requirements should call (813) 282-7827 for a cost estimate.

How will I be billed for reclaimed water?

The amount of water you use will be metered and billed as a separate line item on your City utility bill at a rate of $1.20 per unit (748 gallons).

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Getting Connected

How do I connect to Tampa’s reclaimed water system?

Before connecting your irrigation system to Tampa’s reclaimed water, you must first detach and permanently uncouple all connection points between your irrigation system and the potable (drinking) water system. Once this is complete, you may then connect your irrigation system to the reclaimed water meter. You have the choice of doing the work yourself, or hiring a licensed irrigation or plumbing contractor. A permit must be obtained by the person who will complete the connection before any work is performed. The City will inspect the work upon completion to ensure the connections to the potable (drinking) water and reclaimed water meters comply with all applicable state and local building codes, as well as FDEP rules.

May I connect a hose to my reclaimed water?

Yes. You may purchase a reclaimed water hose bibb and choose to either install it yourself or have it installed by a licensed irrigation or plumbing contractor. The reclaimed water hose bibb must comply with Florida Building Code/Plumbing, as well as with all City of Tampa and FDEP rules.

Must I disconnect my irrigation system from my well?

Yes. Connections between the reclaimed water system and any other public or private system are not allowed. Additionally, if you are using your well for drinking purposes, you may no longer do so unless the well is located at least 75 feet from the area irrigated with reclaimed water.

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Aesthetics

Will the water impact my landscaping?

Landscapes irrigated with reclaimed water should be monitored to determine what, if any, modifications to fertilizer and irrigation practices may be needed. Learn more about Managing a Healthy Landscape Using Reclaimed Water.

What aesthetic impact will it have on my property and neighborhood?

Reclaimed water provides the ability to keep lawns and landscape plants green and healthy even during times of water restrictions so the aesthetic impact of the system is positive.

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Safety

Is the water safe?

Yes. Reclaimed water is treated, continually monitored and thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Unlike most reclaimed water that is treated only twice, the reclaimed water produced at Tampa’s Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant goes through three major treatment processes before being delivered to the customer. Detailed information regarding the quality of Tampa’s reclaimed water is available.

Are the reclaimed and potable water systems isolated?

Yes. Reclaimed water is delivered to homes and businesses through an underground distribution system entirely separate from the drinking water system. The reclaimed water system is not connected in any way to the drinking water system. The City of Tampa’s reclaimed water pipe and fixtures, as well as the reclaimed meter box at your property, are purple to distinguish them from the drinking water system.

What may reclaimed water be used for?

• irrigating your lawn and landscape.
• filling decorative ponds and fountains.
• irrigating fruit trees and gardens containing edible foods that will be peeled or cooked before serving.
• supplying a commercial water-cooled conditioning system.
• indirectly irrigating fruit trees and gardens containing edible foods that will not be peeled or cooked (reclaimed water should not come in direct contact with the edible part of a plant).

What may reclaimed water NOT be use for?

• drinking
• filling swimming pools or hot tubs.
• connecting to a dwelling for toilet flushing or other household use.
• interconnecting with your drinking water pipeline.
• water play or recreation involving contact with reclaimed water.

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Benefits

Why does the City need a reclaimed water program?

Tampa's highest water use is during its annual dry season from March through June. During this time, the water levels can become very low in the Hillsborough River Reservoir and other water sources while irrigation demands are the highest. While the City's multi-faceted Water Conservation Program has been in existence for more than 15 years, using valuable reclaimed water for irrigation as an alternative to potable (drinking) water is the next logical step in maximizing Tampa's drinking water supply. The use of reclaimed water in place of drinking water for irrigation purposes reduces the stress on freshwater resources and helps save our natural systems.

When can I use my reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water may be used any day or days of the week. However, to provide the best service, we need everyone’s help to spread out usage. Suggested watering days for addresses ending in an odd number (or the letter N through Z) are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Suggested watering days for addresses ending in an even number (or the letter A through M) are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

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History

Why did the city develop the reclaimed water project?

Tampa's reclaimed water project was initiated in response to the 2000 drought. Citizen input indicated a desire for reclaimed water providing a way to irrigate without harming the environment, and a willingness to pay user fees to ensure the project's economic feasibility.

Important project conditions included:

1) participation would be voluntary and only those citizens that wanted reclaimed water would have to participate in the program

2) the project would be self-supported by user fees and not tax revenues

These conditions helped ensure that only those residents who used the reclaimed water paid for it. Tampa's project was designed be one of, if not the first, “pay as you use” reclaimed water projects in Florida.

When did Tampa begin the reclaimed water project?

A pre-design enrollment campaign was conducted from May 1, 2000 to September 1, 2000 to ascertain the level of citizen commitment to the project and encourage residents and businesses located in the project area to sign up for the reclaimed water service. In just four months, more than 4,200 homeowners and businesses agreed to enroll for reclaimed water service. The campaign successfully enrolled enough customers to ensure the economic feasibility of building and operating the reclaimed water system.

Given this clear public demand, the City authorized the design and construction and immediately began working with the congressional delegation to secure additional federal funds to help launch system expansions. The initial reclaimed water service area includes those neighborhoods closest to the treatment plant with heavy concentrations of customers with high irrigation demand. The reclaimed water service area boundary currently includes, but is not limited to, Davis Islands, parts of Palma Ceia and Hyde Park, Beach Park, Culbreath Isles, Culbreath Bayou and parts of the Westshore business district. The system's construction began in June 2002 and became operational in stages as construction progressed. The first users of Tampa's reclaimed water were residents of Davis Islands. They began using reclaimed water in July 2004. The final boundaries for system expansions will be determined at a later date.

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