Pasco County, FL - Official Website

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Reclaimed Water

1. Are there restrictions on reclaimed water use?: The water shortages experienced in recent years during the nonrainy 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.

2. How do I apply for reclaimed water service?: Call (727) 847-8145 to obtain an application and information packet.

The wastewater treatment and disinfection process requires four steps:

Remove large solid materials from the wastewater.
Use microorganisms to break down smaller solids.
Separate undesirable compounds and fine suspended particles from the water.
Use chlorine to eliminate disease-causing viruses, bacteria and other organisms.

4. 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.

Find more information about acceptable and unsuitable uses.

The following properties are scheduled to receive reclaimed water in the near future:

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.

7. What areas currently receive reclaimed water?: Find a full list of areas receiving reclaimed water here.

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.

9. 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.

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.

Find a list of plants that thrive on reclaimed water.