Where our water comes from: Florida’s Water Reuse

 
Florida leads the nation in water reuse. In 2015, it used over 700 million gallons of reclaimed water daily, representing 44% of the total domestic wastewater flow in the state1.  Here are six additional facts about water reuse in the state of Florida.

1. Water reclamation facilities in Florida communities receive wastewater from homes and businesses, treating it until it achieves high quality standards. 2
2. After wastewater has been treated to the highest standard, the water is sent through purple pipes for irrigation of residential lots, golf courses and other green space, industrial uses, groundwater recharge and other beneficial purposes.3 
3. Approximately one-third of Florida’s population uses on-site sewage treatment and disposal (septic tanks) to treat their wastewater. These systems are permitted by the Florida Department of Health through the Bureau of Onsite Sewage. The remainder of Florida's population is served by domestic wastewater facilities permitted by DEP.4
4. The amount of water reuse District-wide ( Miami Dade) has increased dramatically from approximately 100 million gallons per day in 1994 to 275 million gallons. 5 
5. By using reclaimed water, communities can conserve traditional freshwater supplies and provide an environmentally responsible alternative to disposal of wastewater. 6
6. Using reclaimed water saves fresh drinkable water for use in homes and businesses; provides a safe, environmentally responsible alternative to wastewater disposal; delays the need to develop alternative drinking water supplies and can reduce the need for fertilizer. 7 

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Sources:
1: https://floridadep.gov/water/domestic-wastewater/content/general-facts-and-statistics-about-wastewater-florida
2: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Governing-Board-Declares-Water-Reuse-Week-May-13-19.html?soid=1117910826311&aid=UY6H8Ma34O
3: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Governing-Board-Declares-Water-Reuse-Week-May-13-19.html?soid=1117910826311&aid=UY6H8Ma34Oc
4: https://floridadep.gov/water/domestic-wastewater/content/general-facts-and-statistics-about-wastewater-florida
5: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Governing-Board-Declares-Water-Reuse-Week-May-13-19.html?soid=1117910826311&aid=UY6H8Ma34Oc
6 & 7: https://www.sjrwmd.com/2018/05/district-recognizes-may-13-19-as-water-reuse-week-in-florida/