Reclaimed Water
Purpose of Document:
This document is a summary of the important facts concerning the
use of Reclaimed Water for irrigation within the City of Palmetto.
The information contained in this document is based on City
Ordinances and official polices regarding the availability and use
of reclaimed water. More specific and technical information can be
obtained by direct reference to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance # 609
and the City of Palmetto Area Reclaimed Water Master Plan, and
Chapter 62-610 F.A.C., Reuse of Reclaimed Water and Land
Application.
What is Reclaimed Water?
It is sparkling, disinfected water. It has been reclaimed from
wastewater that has received advanced treatment and high-level
disinfection. Reclaimed water can be used safely for irrigation and
decorative purposes in areas open to public access and for
residential and commercial irrigation. Reclaimed water has been
successfully used in neighboring areas for golf courses and lawn
irrigation for over fifteen years.
Advantages of Reclaimed Water:
The use of reclaimed water for irrigation is a proven technology
that is safe and beneficial. It has several advantages over
irrigation with well and potable water. The use of reclaimed water
conserves potable water. This means less pumping of our precious
underground aquifer and from the Lake Manatee Reservoir, which
supplies potable water. Reclaimed water is cheaper to use than
potable water, and contains small amounts of nutrients, such as
nitrogen and phosphorus, which both lawns and plants need. There are
also fewer restrictions during periods of drought.
Palmetto Area Reclaimed Water System:
The City has adopted the Palmetto Area Reuse Water System (PARS)
Master Plan. The plan was prepared for the development and operation
of a reclaimed water distribution system throughout the city. The
reclaimed water will be produced at the Palmetto Wastewater
Treatment Facility located at 1300 28th Avenue West in Palmetto.
Connection Requirements:
Once service is made available to an area, the use of potable
water for irrigation will not be permitted. All utility customers in
the area will be required to connect to the reclaimed water for
irrigation of lawns and landscaping. No wells will be permitted in
areas where reclaimed water is available. Residents will be
responsible for connection to the City provided service valve. Once
water line is connected, City will come out to do an inspection.
Connection Procedure:
Services are installed where reclaimed water is available. There
will be a purple box, with a connection value, adjacent to the
property line. Individual users may chose two ways to connect. The
first way is to connect to a sprinkler system. The second way is to
connect to a hose bib which has a valve underground. The valve box,
installed by the City, may only be used by the City. Therefore, each
user will be required to install a separate control box. (See
Examples) The specifics of Chapter 62-610 F.A.C. must be followed.
Above ground hose bibs shall not be utilized. Hose bibs shall be
located in locked vaults, service boxes, or compartments. The lid
shall be clearly labeled in English and Spanish "Do Not Drink",
together with the standard international symbol. Hose bibs, which
can be opened only by a special tool, may be placed in non-lockable
vaults, service boxes, or compartments. Vaults, service boxes and
compartments meeting these requirements may be located above or
below grade.
Restriction on the Use of Reclaimed
Water:
Reclaimed water is safe for irration and other ornamental uses,
but is not considered safe for drinking. Certain safequards are
required in order to reduce the possibility of accidental drinking
of reclaimed water. No cross-connection or inter-connection is
permitted between reclaimed water lines and potable water lines.
Above-ground spigots and faucets may not be
connected to the reclaimed water system. Reclaimed water
cannot be piped into, or used inside, a structure. The City may
inspect any property to insure no cross-connection exists. In the
event a cross-connection is found to exist, the user will be
disconnected from the reclaimed water system until the connection is
corrected.
Cost:
All customers will be charged $5.00 per month for usage, if
available to their property.
Conclusion:
The City of Palmetto would like to encourage you to use reclaimed
water. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 941-723-4580
for additional information.
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