1. What is reclaimed water?

Pinellas County’s reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater produced through an advanced wastewater treatment process. This process eliminates any harmful byproducts while retaining beneficial elements, such as nitrogen, for irrigating landscapes.

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3. How is reclaimed water processed?

The wastewater treatment and disinfection process requires four steps:

Step 1  eliminates large solid materials.

Step 2  uses microorganisms to break down smaller solids.

Step 3  eliminates undesirable compounds and fine suspended particles.

Step 4  uses chlorine to eliminate disease causing organisms.

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4. What is the quality of reclaimed water?

Pinellas County produces reclaimed water that meets all the state requirements for utilization of reclaimed water for irrigation of public access areas (parks, playgrounds, school sites, golf courses, etc.), and irrigation of residential lawns and landscapes.

• Chloride – naturally occurring salt content present in all water types.
  
  
• Nitrate (as Nitrogen) - a nutrient that stimulates plant growth and is associated with lush, dark green leaves.
  
  
• Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) – one part by weight of analyte to 1 million parts by weight of the water sample.
  
  
• pH – the measure of acidity or alkalinity with 7 as the neutral amount.
  
  
• Phosphorus - promotes healthy root development and aids in plant establishment.

2008 Reclaimed Water Consumer Confidence Report  (392 kb)

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5. 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 Pinellas County Utilities are among the most stringent in the nation. Locally, Pinellas County Utilities, St. Petersburg, Largo, St. Pete Beach, South Pasadena, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs safely operate reclaimed water systems. There is no documentation of any public health problems associated with reuse of properly treated and disinfected reclaimed water. As a precaution, it is recommended that immuno-compromised persons irrigate only when they will not be outside.

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

• Irrigating lawns and most landscaping.
• Washing of cars, boats, or heavy equipment. It is recommended that after the use of reclaimed water, vehicles are rinsed with potable water and towel dried to prevent spotting.
• Washing of roofs and buildings.
• 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.
• Any interconnection with another 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.
• Run off into or filling of swimming pools.

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6. What types of plants thrive on reclaimed water?

In general, any plant native to this area will grow well when irrigated with reclaimed water.

Some plants are sensitive to the amount of chlorides in reclaimed water.  These include azaleas, Chinese privet, gardenias, roses, geraniums, and orchids. If leaf burning is observed, consider drip irrigation so 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.

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

• 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 water line must be disconnected.
• No cross connection can exist prior to the tie-in to the reclaimed water system.
• A cross connection inspection conducted by a Pinellas County Reclaimed Water Inspector is required at the time the actual tie-in to the reclaimed service is made.

An automatic rain shutoff device is recommended but not required. A wye strainer is required at the time of inspection (North Pinellas County only). The wye strainer should be cleaned monthly to maintain adequate pressure and maximize sprinkler system efficiency.

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9. Are there restrictions on reclaimed water use?

The reclaimed 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 proposal has been passed to limit lawn watering at these times to three days per week. This limitation will not only alleviate seasonal operational shortages but will actually help build a healthier lawn. See links below for more information:

• Reclaimed Watering Schedule
• Seasonal Restrictions
• 2009 Reclaimed Water Usage Ordinance

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10. What areas are currently receiving reclaimed water?

NORTH COUNTY areas currently receiving reclaimed water:

SOUTH COUNTY areas currently receiving reclaimed water:

Golf courses:

• Seminole Lakes Golf & County Club
• Tides

Subdivisions on the mainland:

• 72nd Ave North (Park Blvd. south to 70 Ave. N. and 71st St. N. west to 77th St. N.)
• Bonnie Bay
• Bonnie Glynn
• Club Chalet
• Five Towns
• Oakhurst Road (Walsingham Rd. south to 66th Ave. N. and 113th St. west to Boca Ciega Bay)
• Paradise Shores Apts.
• Park Place Condos
• Parkside Villas
• Pinellas Village
• Seminole Lakes
• Sundown Woods
• Tamarac by the Gulf
• Townhomes of Park Place
• Westchester Estates

Gulf Beaches:

• Tierra Verde
• Treasure Island
• Madeira Beach
• Redington Beach
• North Redington Beach
• Redington Shores
• Indian Shores
• Indian Rocks Beach
• Sand Key

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11. What additional areas are scheduled to receive reclaimed water?

The area between Park Blvd. and Walsingham Rd. along Gulf Blvd. in Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach.

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12. Do you have a sample diagram that a customer could download if they want to connect the reclaimed water to their underground system?

Yes.
Click here to see the diagram for North County residents.
Click here to see the diagram for South County residents.

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