Reclaimed water use protects drinking water supplies, offsets groundwater use
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board today approved a resolution proclaiming May 15-21 as Water Reuse Week. This is in an effort to help promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water in the District.
“Florida is leading the nation in the use of reclaimed water, and as our state continues to grow in population, it is critical we strive to find ways to conserve water and encourage the use of innovative management strategies, like the development of alternative water sources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Through its cost-share programs, the District has contributed more than $81 million to reclaimed water projects to offset groundwater demands and protect Florida’s water supply for the future.”
Florida water utilities began using reclaimed water in the 1970s and it has quickly become a major component of water resource management by local governments and utilities within the state of Florida and the District. There are currently 413 facilities that provide reclaimed water throughout the District. As of 2020, those facilities produced 1.6 billion gallons per day of reclaimed water flow, of which 884 million gallons per day was used for beneficial purposes throughout the region.
Water reuse is the process of taking what was once wastewater, treating and disinfecting it, then using the resulting high-quality reclaimed water for a beneficial purpose, such as golf course and landscape irrigation, groundwater recharge and industrial uses. Extensive treatment and disinfection ensure that public health and environmental quality are protected.
The District actively promotes and encourages efficient and effective use of reclaimed water by:
- Implementing a cooperative funding program that provides financial assistance to entities developing alternative water supplies, including water reuse;
- Funding studies and pilot programs that promote innovative treatment technologies; and
- Engaging in innovative uses and applications of reclaimed water.
Since 2007, the state of Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, water utilities, local governments and water-related organizations have declared the third week in May as Water Reuse Week.
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