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Getting Connected to Reclaimed WaterConnecting to Tampa's reclaimed water system is easy... here's how!Thank you for your interest in becoming a Tampa reclaimed water customer. If you do not have a reclaimed water meter installed at your property, please contact a reclaimed water customer service representative at (813) 282-7827 to inquire about availability in your area. Once you are informed a meter is installed and the system is active in your area, it will be time to connect your in-ground irrigation system to the reclaimed water meter.
Step 1: Decide who will do the workIf you have an irrigation system connected to the City's potable (drinking) water, you must decide who will connect your system to the reclaimed water meter. You may do the work yourself or hire a licensed irrigation contractor or licensed plumber. The work involves identifying any cross connections between the irrigation and potable water system and properly disconnecting them before connecting to the reclaimed water meter. It is highly recommended that customers do not attempt this work themselves unless they have significant "do-it-yourself" experience with plumbing and irrigation systems. Contact a reclaimed water customer service representative at (813) 282-7827 for assistance determining what work may be required. A member of our team will help you make necessary determinations and be able to answer any questions. If you decide to hire a licensed plumber or licensed irrigation contractor, we recommend you get at least three competitive bids and consider seeking volume discounts by "shopping as a group" with your neighbors. Prices may vary depending on a number of factors, such as:
Step 2: Apply for a permitA plumbing permit must be obtained by the person performing the work and the connection must pass a City inspection before reclaimed water will be available for use. Permits are available through the City of Tampa Construction Services Center at 1400 North Boulevard and are typically processed the same day of application. The permit fee helps defray the City's expense of inspecting the work. At the time of application the City will provide an "Affidavit of Completion", which lists the steps for making a proper connection. The affidavit must be signed by the person who obtained the permit and performed the work, and provided to the City inspector at the time of inspection. Please contact the Construction Services Center at (813) 274-3100 for permit information. Step 3: Complete the workLocate, disconnect and cap all connection points between your irrigation system and potable water system. Detach and permanently cap any spigots, hose bibbs, pool top-off lines, outdoor showers or other fixtures connected to your irrigation system. Connect the irrigation system to the reclaimed water meter by following the steps listed in the "Affidavit of Completion" provided by the City. Step 4: Get an inspectionAfter the work is completed, but before any connection points are covered with backfill, call (813) 274-3100 for a City inspection. The inspection time will be coordinated with you because the inspector will need access to your home. The inspector will ensure your reclaimed system complies with all applicable state and local building codes, and FDEP rules. The inspector must be given the signed "Affidavit of Completion" at the time of inspection. After passing the inspection, please arrange to fill in any connection points that were left open for the inspection. Step 5: Begin irrigating with reclaimed waterYou may begin irrigating once you have passed the inspection. The City will meter your reclaimed water use and bill you for it as a separate line item on your utility bill at the reclaimed water rate. Please note: If you have an existing irrigation meter it will be removed by
the City once you are connected to the reclaimed water system. Customers without in-ground irrigationIf you sign up to be a reclaimed water customer and do not have an in-ground
irrigation system, you may purchase and install a cam lock reclaimed hose
connection that complies with the
Florida Building Code/Plumbing, and all
City of Tampa and
FDEP
rules. A City of Tampa
plumbing
permit must be obtained by the person performing the work and the connection
must pass a City inspection before reclaimed water will be available for use.
Please contact the Construction Services Center
at (813) 274-3100 for permit information. If you plan to install a new irrigation systemYou will be required to obtain two City of Tampa plumbing permits - one to install the irrigation system and one to connect the irrigation system to the reclaimed water meter. The permits must be obtained by the person performing the work and the connection must pass a City inspection before reclaimed water will be available for use. Please contact the Construction Services Center at (813) 274-3100 for permit information. If an existing irrigation system is connected to a wellAs with all reclaimed water connections, a City of Tampa plumbing permit must be obtained by the person performing the work and the connection must pass a City inspection before reclaimed water will be available for use. Please contact the Construction Services Center at (813) 274-3100 for permit information. Watering SchedulesReclaimed water does not have the same watering restrictions as potable
(drinking) water. To maximize the efficiency of the reclaimed water delivery
system, it is important not all users irrigate on the same day. The following
suggested watering schedule will help ensure the daily supply of reclaimed water
corresponds with daily demands. Suggested Watering Schedule
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Customers without in-ground irrigation If you plan to install a new irrigation system If an existing irrigation system is connected to a well Watering schedules with reclaimed water Getting Connected brochure (PDF) Reclaimed Water Service Area Map |
