1. Florida and Reclaimed Water
September 21, 2017
Stephen James, Esq., Director, Office of Water Policy
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

2. Florida Florida has a population of nearly 20 million.
In addition, Florida enjoys more than 100 million visitors annually.
Florida is also home to 9.5 million acres of agriculture.
“[I]t is the policy of the Legislature that the waters in the state be managed on a state and regional basis.”

3. Water Use,

4. Projected Water Demand by Sector

5. Per Capita
9/18/2018

6. 20-Year Demand Projections
Over the next 20 years…
Net Demand Change
Future Demand Not Met
Future Demand Not Met after Conservation
Potential Water from AWS Projects
Statewide
1,175.6 mgd
421.2 mgd
mgd
1,462.7 mgd

7. Investment in AWS Reclaimed Water Other AWS Total
Total number of projects
402
176
578
Total Project Cost
$2,368,899,246
$2,740,438,042
$5,109,337,287
WPSP Funds
$66,874,829
$73,243,565
$140,118,394
District Match
to Date
$281,054,947
$449,057,557
$730,112,504
Sponsor Match
$1,935,349,963
$1,886,351,620
$3,821,701,583
Water Created by Sept. 30, 2016 (mgd)
268.53
318.62
587.15
Water Created when Project Complete (mgd)
330.03
478.03
808.06
9/18/2018

8. Planning for Growth
Florida Law requires that the water management districts assess its water supplies in view of the expected population and economic growth.
If there is not enough traditional water (e.g., fresh groundwater) to serve that growth, then the districts develop Regional Water Supply Plans.
Every colored area on the map to the right is a region in which a plan has been developed.
Without the development of alternative water supplies, these areas would not have enough traditional sources to meet growing needs.

9. Reclaimed Water
“Reclaimed water” means water that has received at least secondary treatment and basic disinfection and is reused after flowing out of a domestic wastewater treatment facility.
Reclaimed water is “environmentally acceptable” and may be “presumed available” and required “in lieu of groundwater or surface water”
Reclaimed water is not subject to regulation until it has been discharged into waters as defined in s (13).
See section (18), F.S.

10. Statutory Context
Ch. 403:
Wastewater facilities (0.1 mgd or greater) in a water resource caution area must prepare a reuse feasibility study at time of application for permit.
If study shows it’s feasible, the applicant must give significant consideration to its implementation.
See sections and , F.S.

11. Statutory Context
Ch. 403:
Wastewater facilities (0.1 mgd or greater) in a water resource caution area must prepare a reuse feasibility study at time of application for permit.
If study shows it’s feasible, the applicant must give significant consideration to its implementation.
See sections and , F.S.

12. Annual Reuse Inventory Database and Annual Report
Updated Annually
Available at

13. Reclaimed Water Usage
In 2016, a total of 431 reuse systems allowed for the use of 760 mgd of reclaimed water for beneficial purposes
This is 44% of the total domestic wastewater flow in the state.
This is up 3% since 2015 predominately due to increases in reuse in public access areas, which increased mgd in reuse flows.
9/18/2018

14. Reuse Flow,
9/18/2018

15. 2015 Reclaimed Water Utilization by Flow
Includes 397,750 residences, 574 golf courses, 1,053 parks, and 381 schools

16. Map of Per Capita Reuse Flow by County

17. Central Florida Water Initiative
The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Regional Water Supply Plan was adopted by 3 districts in 2015.

18. CFWI Projected Demands

19. CFWI and Reclaimed Water
2010
178 mgd (92%) of the 193 mgd of treated wastewater generated is reused for beneficial purposes.
By 2035, wastewater collected projected to increase by 63% to 314 mgd.
This represents a potential increase of approximately 121 mgd of reclaimed water between and 2035.

20. CFWI’s Reclaimed Water Future
The 2015 RWSP identifies:
142 potential water supply development projects
Which includes 87 reclaimed water projects
The 87 reclaimed water projects:
Estimated capital cost of $452 million
Could deliver 121 mgd of projected increase in reuse flows
Could potentially deliver 165 mgd with supplemental sources.

21. Matching Supplies and Demands Regulatory Water Quality
SB 536 Study: Impediments
Cost and Funding
Matching Supplies and Demands
Regulatory
Water Quality
Public Input and Involvement
Long-Term Uncertainty
Scaling up to Regional Solutions
9/18/2018

22. SB 536 Study: Recommendations
Identify a funding source-prioritizing potable offset, aquifer recharge and system restoration
Streamline regulatory framework
Chapter 403, F.S., specifically Permitting
Chapter , F.A.C. (Reuse of Reclaimed Water and Land Application);
Chapter , F.A.C. (Treatment Plan Classification and Staffing)
Chapter , F.A.C. (Underground Injection Control)
Develop a means to pursue direct potable reuse
Define direct potable reuse
Develop a process that is transparent and protective of human health
9/18/2018

23. Legislation: SB 536 Recommendations
Determine when the use of reclaimed water is “environmentally, economically, and technically feasible.” Presumption of economic feasibility if facilities are available.
Develop “reclaimed water service areas” and require reuse for lawn and landscape in those areas.
Find new ways to incentivize and expand the use of reclaimed water, including educational outreach, DEP/WMD coordination, stormwater supplementation, tiered rate structures, ICI sector development.
9/18/2018

24. We’re all in this together.