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1. What is reclaimed water?

Pasco County's reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater produced through an advanced wastewater treatment process. This process eliminates harmful byproducts while retaining beneficial elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are useful as fertilizer when reclaimed water is used for irrigating landscapes and can even lower your utility bill.

2. Is reclaimed water safe?

Yes. To ensure safety, the highest standards established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are followed. System controls utilized by Pasco County Utilities are among the most stringent in the nation. There are no documented public health problems associated with the reuse of properly treated and disinfected reclaimed water.

The level of treatment received by reclaimed water makes it acceptable for the following uses:

• Irrigating lawns and most landscaping.
• Use in fountains and decorative pools (they must be clearly marked as containing reclaimed water)

The degree of treatment required for the use of reclaimed water makes it unsuitable for the following purposes:

• Consumption by humans
• Bathing, cooking, or toilet flushing in residential dwellings
• Interconnection with any other water source
• Recreational use involving body contact (i.e. swimming pools or outdoor showers)
• Irrigation of vegetables or other edible crops which are not peeled, cooked or thermally processed before being consumed
• Above ground, hose bib connections where a hose might be mistakenly used for any of the above

Find more information about acceptable and unsuitable uses.

3. How is reclaimed water processed?

The wastewater treatment and disinfection process requires four steps:

1. Large solid materials are removed from the wastewater.
2. Microorganisms are used to break down the smaller solids.
3. Undesirable compounds and fine suspended particles are separated from the water.
4. Chlorine is then used to disinfect the water to prevent disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and other organisms.

4. What is the quality of reclaimed water?

Pasco County produces reclaimed water that meets all the state requirements for utilization of reclaimed water for irrigation of residential lawns and other public access areas, such as parks, playgrounds, school sites, golf courses, etc.

5. What are the benefits of using reclaimed water?

Some of the benefits of using reclaimed water include:

• Serves as an alternate source of irrigation water that reduces demand on potable water sources utilized for drinking water.
• Reduces the cost of landscape irrigation when it replaces potable water.
• Reduces fertilizer costs due to the nitrogen and phosphorus in reclaimed water.
• Beautifies our community by enhancing the appearance of landscaping.

6. How do I apply for reclaimed water service?

Call (727) 847-8145 to obtain an application and information packet.

7. Are there restrictions on reclaimed water use?

The water shortages experienced in recent years during the non-rainy season have placed considerable stress on the reclaimed distribution system. Due to operational experience during these dry periods of the year, a reclaimed water irrigation schedule has been adopted to limit lawn watering to two days per week. This limitation not only alleviates seasonal operational shortages but will actually help build a healthier lawn. Please view the current watering restrictions.

8. What areas currently receive reclaimed water?

Find a full list of areas receiving reclaimed water here.

9. What do I need to know about connecting to reclaimed water?

• Reclaimed water is not available in all areas of the County.
• The program is voluntary and you can utilize your existing in-ground irrigation system.
• If you have a well, you must disconnect it from the irrigation system in order to take advantage of the program.
• Irrigation systems connected to a drinking waterline must be disconnected.
• No cross connection with any other water systems can exist prior to the tie-in to the reclaimed water system
• A cross-connection inspection conducted by a Pasco County reclaimed water inspector is required at the time of the actual tie-in to the reclaimed service and re-inspection will occur time to time as required by state regulations.
• An automatic rain shut-off device is recommended but is not required.

10. What is the reclaimed water rate?

You can find the reclaimed water rates here.

11. What types of plants thrive on reclaimed water?

Some plants are sensitive to the amount of chlorides in irrigation water. These include azaleas, Chinese privet, gardenias, roses, geraniums and orchids. If leaf burning is observed, consider drip irrigation so the water is applied at the soil level rather than spraying the leaves. Chlorides in the reclaimed water may damage the leaves. Florida's reuse rules allow irrigation of edible food crops through direct contact methods (spray irrigation) that will be peeled, skinned, cooked or thermally processed before human consumption, including citrus.