Reclaimed Water

Background - History

For several years, the City of St. Pete Beach tried to obtain reclaimed water for its residents. In 1992, with a referendum, the voters approved the financing and construction of a reclaimed water project.

Reclaimed water is the product of an advanced wastewater treatment process that eliminates harmful by-products while retaining the beneficial elements to improve plant growth and appearance.

Using reclaimed water is a way to conserve the drinking water supply as well as to create a new source of water for irrigation that is almost unlimited. The Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other regulatory agencies strongly recommend and encourage the use of reclaimed water as a measure for conservation of Florida's water resources. St. Pete Beach is committed to develop and maintain it reclaimed water distribution system in accordance with the best environmental practices.

Approved Uses for Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water shall be sued for irrigation of public and private landscaped areas and such other uses as are permitted by law. Reclaimed water may be used in conjunction with a drip type irrigation system to irrigate vegetable gardens. Vegetables should be watered indirectly through the root system. Current City and State regulations dictate that reclaimed water shall not be used for drinking purposes and/or in swimming pools, not shall there be any above ground hose connections.

If questions arise concerning the uses of reclaimed water, please contact the Utilities Superintendent at 727-363-9254. The common sense approach to using reclaimed water follows the four don'ts.

DON'T DRINK RECLAIMED WATER

DON'T BATHE IN RECLAIMED WATER

DON'T COOK WITH RECLAIMED WATER

DON'T WASH YOUR CAR OR BOAT WITH RECLAIMED WATER

Services

  • Cross Connection Control
  • Education
  • Hose Connection Installation
  • Key Replacement
  • Permits for Irrigation Installation
  • New Customer Application
  • No Water/Low Water Pressure Complaints
  • Reclaimed Water Leaks (Street and Box Leaks)
  • Requests for Box Location
  • Requests for Change in Service Status/ Cancellation
  • Restoration
  • System Expansion
  • Washer Replacement

Rates and Charges

The rate for reclaimed water service is based on a unit of measurement called and Estimated Residential Unit (ERU). A single ERU is equivalent to 3,150 square feet of permeable area. This excludes driveways, pools, walkways or any other area impermeable to the percolation of water. However, the estimation of ERU does count planters and other areas where percolation may occur.

All single family units will be assessed a fee equal to 1 ERU, without consideration of the actual permeable area present. Commercial, multifamily residential, public and/or park uses are measured to determine the number of ERU's present and assessed a fee accordingly.

The cost for reclaimed water is equal to $10.00 per ERU + a $1.50 administrative fee. For example a single-family residential unit obtaining reclaimed water service (no matter how many ERU's are present) would be assessed a fee of $11.50 per month. A commercial area with 3 ERU's would be assessed a charge of $31.50 for the provision of reclaimed water.

Billing

The monthly fee for the provision of reclaimed water will be billed to the consumer on a combined bill with other City or County service, such as potable water. The billing is done on a bi-monthly basis.

Tips on Conserving Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water is not an unlimited resource to be wasted, and your yard will not benefit from too much water. Click here for ways to conserve reclaimed water, and click here for more on calibration and operation of a system. For tips on maintaining an irrigation system, click here.