Water
Management District Reuse Programs
Northwest Florida Water
Management District Reuse Progam
(Updated 2/1/11)
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The
Northwest Florida Water Management District considers
reuse planning an integral component of its water supply planning efforts. The
District’s water supply assessments and regional water supply plans address the potential for
reductions in water use through the use of reclaimed water.
The issuance of consumptive use permits is the foundation
of the District’s regulatory reuse program. All consumptive use permit applicants who
operate domestic wastewater treatment facilities must identify the volume of treated
wastewater available, the level of treatment, the volume of reclaimed water available, all
reuse customers, and the volume of reclaimed water provided to each.
Reuse Requirements Inside Water Resource Caution Areas
The District’s reuse emphasis is placed on
permittees located within the two Water Resource Caution Areas (WRCAs).
Water use permittees located in a WRCA are required to use reclaimed
water unless it is determined to be infeasible. Water use permittees
in a WRCA, who generate reclaimed water, are required to evaluate
the feasibility of using reclaimed water.
Chapter 40A-2, F.A.C., states that public water supply
permittees that operate wastewater treatment facilities located within,
serving a population within, or discharging to a WRCA are required to
perform an analysis of the economic, environmental, and technical
feasibility of providing reclaimed water for reuse within five years and
of providing total reuse of reclaimed water within 20 years. Consumptive
use permits issued to other non-potable water users within these areas
are also routinely conditioned to require the permittee to investigate
the availability of reclaimed water and to use reclaimed water if it is
available and is technically, economically and environmentally feasible.
Reuse Requirements Outside Water Resource Caution Areas
While reuse efforts are concentrated within WRCAs,
the District considers the use of reclaimed water outside of these
areas an important component in its overall resource management
strategy. A stated policy of the Water Resource Implementation Rule,
Chapter 62-40, F.A.C., is to encourage use of water of the lowest
acceptable quality. In many instances, reclaimed water fulfills this
requirement. When determined appropriate, the District may also
require permit applicants located outside of WRCAs to determine the
feasibility of using reclaimed water. If determined feasible, the
applicant is required to implement its use.
Other Efforts
In addition to implementing the regulatory aspects
of the reuse program, the NWFWMD has recently implemented a
reclaimed water initiative to examine available wastewater sources
that could offset future non-potable demand. The reclaimed water
plan will examine all wastewater utilities across the region, but
particularly focus on the three regional water supply planning areas
of the District. Projects identified from this plan will be
incorporated into the regional water supply plan updates anticipated
during 2010-2013. This plan is part of a continuing effort to
coordinate between treated wastewater suppliers and possible
end-users.
The District’s reuse program is structured to provide
incentives for non-potable water users to use reclaimed water. The
District’s water shortage plan, for example, does not restrict the use
of reclaimed water during any water shortage phase nor does the District
require that a water use permit be obtained for the use of reclaimed
water. Additionally, the District will provide reclaimed water users
with back-up water allocation in the event the reclaimed water source
becomes unavailable.
Funding Assistance
The District’s funding is provided from a
combination of sources including ad valorem tax, general revenue
appropriations from the Legislature, state programs and grants, and
contractual services to local governments, regional utility
authorities, and other governmental agencies. It is anticipated that
the availability of funding assistance will be substantially
dependent on future state appropriations. For more information on
funding programs, please contact the District.
NWFWMD Reuse Contact:
Paul Thorpe
81 Water Management Drive
Havana, FL 32333-9700
phone:850.539.5999
Paul.Thorpe@nwfwmd.state.fl.us
St. Johns River Water Management
District Reuse Program
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The St. Johns River Water Management District
(SJRWMD) Governing Board’s policy is to implement reuse to the
maximum extent feasible and provide greater availability of
reclaimed water District-wide to conserve available water resources,
in accordance with the State of Florida objective to encourage and
promote water conservation and reuse. Therefore, all SJRWMD programs
pertaining to reuse; including all pertinent regulatory
requirements, planning, coordination efforts, and funding programs;
are applied District-wide.
Reuse Requirements Inside Water Resource Caution Areas
Subsection 62-40.401(5), F.A.C., requires the water
management districts to designate water resource caution areas as
regions where reuse would be required if economically,
environmentally, and technically feasible. Prior to the
implementation of Subsection 62-40.401(5), F.A.C., SJRWMD policy and
practice already required reuse throughout the District, where
available and feasible. Therefore, the SJRWMD Governing Board
designated the entire District as a Water Conservation Area to meet
the requirements of Subsection 62-40.401(5), F.A.C. The Water
Conservation Area designation was changed to Water Resources Caution
Area in 1997, to conform with statewide nomenclature, but still
covers the entire District.
Chapter 40C-2, FAC, requires reuse of reclaimed water,
where feasible for all consumptive use permittees. In addition to
requiring reuse where feasible, the SJRWMD CUP program also provides
incentives for implementing reuse by including it as a favorable factor
when determining permit durations and exempting reclaimed water from
restricted outdoor irrigation hours. Where reuse is not currently
feasible, most SJRWMD permits include a condition which requires the
permittee to implement reuse when it becomes feasible.
The lowest acceptable quality water source, including
reclaimed water, which is addressed in paragraph 40C-2.301(4)(f), FAC,
must be utilized for each consumptive use. To use a higher quality water
source, an applicant must demonstrate that the use of all lower quality
water sources will not be economically, environmentally, or technically
feasible. If the applicant demonstrates that the use of a lower quality
water source would result in environmental impacts that outweigh water
savings, a higher quality source may be utilized.
Reuse Requirements Outside Water Resource Caution Areas
SJRWMD has designated the whole District as a Water
Resource Caution Area.
Other Efforts
SJRWMD currently is involved in a long-term water supply
planning project, Water 2020, in which water sources to meet demands to 2020 are being
identified. Planning for the implementation of reuse is an integral part of the Water 2020
planning process.
SJRWMD maintains a data base concerning domestic wastewater
treatment and reuse on its Geographic Information System (GIS). These data are used to
identify and assess reuse opportunities and to match potential reclaimed water users with
suppliers. The wastewater treatment and reuse GIS data base supports SJRWMD’s
planning and regulatory program and provide technical assistance to regulated water users
and suppliers.
Funding Assistance
SJRWMD has two cost sharing programs to encourage the reuse
of reclaimed water. Both of the programs began in FY 1996.
SJRWMD had $750,000 available for alternative water supply
construction cost sharing during FY 1997. This cost sharing program is available to water
suppliers and users, including local governments; water, wastewater and reuse utilities;
industrial and agricultural water users; and other public and private water providers and
users. Funds received through this program may be used only for the payment of capital and
infrastructure costs of alternative water supply systems. Alternative water supply sources
include water that has been reclaimed after one or more public supply, municipal,
industrial, commercial, or agricultural uses; and supplies of stormwater, or brackish or
salt water, that have been treated in accordance with applicable rules and standards
sufficient to supply the intended use.
In addition to this program directly funded by
SJRWMD, the District is pursuing federal funding for alternative
water supply development projects.
SJRWMD Reuse Contacts:
Rich Burklew
Palm Bay Service Center
525 Community college Pkwy., SE
Palm Bay, FL 32909
phone: 800.295.3264
rburklew@sjrwmd.com
South Florida Water
Management District Reuse Program
(Updated 6/29/11)
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The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
is a regional governmental agency that oversees the water resources
in the southern half of the state, covering 16 counties from Orlando
to the Florida Keys and serving a population of 7.7 million
residents. The SFWMD has developed an approach to encourage and
promote reuse of reclaimed water involving planning, regulation,
cooperative funding, and other coordination and cooperative efforts.
The reuse program has been aggressive and successful in the
utilization of reclaimed water.
The rules in Chapter 40E-2, F.A.C., provide the foundation for the
District’s regulatory reuse policies. All water use permit applicants
within the SFWMD are required to address the use of reclaimed water as
part of obtaining a permit for water use. For water users, this involves
evaluating the use of reclaimed water as a water source. For public
water suppliers, who directly or indirectly control a wastewater
treatment facility, this involves implementing a feasible reuse program.
The SFWMD issues water use permits with durations of up to 20 years. One
factor considered in determining the duration of a permit is the
development of alternative water sources, including the use of reclaimed
water.
Reuse Requirements Inside Critical Water Supply Problem Areas
Critical Water Supply Problem Areas (aka Water Resource Caution
Areas) include all or part of 12 of the SFWMD’s 16 counties. Pursuant to
Chapter 40E-23, F.A.C., reclaimed water is required to be used in these
areas unless it is demonstrated by the water use permit applicant that
reuse is not environmentally, economically, or technically feasible.
Additional clarification of District policy regarding reuse inside
the Critical Water Supply Problem Areas is found in Section 3.2.3
(Reclaimed Water Use Criteria) of the Basis of Review.
Reuse Requirements Outside Critical Water Supply Problem Areas
In those areas of the District that are not designated a Critical
Water Supply Problem Area, reclaimed water must be used in place of
higher quality water sources when reclaimed water is readily available,
unless it is demonstrated by the water use permit applicant that reuse
is not feasible.
Other Efforts
The SFWMD’s water supply planning initiative incorporates development
of four regional water supply plans. These plans are updated every five
years. The use of reclaimed water is an important water source option
that is evaluated in these plans to meet anticipated future water
demands over a 20-year planning horizon. These plans contain
region-specific recommendations about the use of reclaimed water.
The District also facilitates reuse through coordination and cooperative
efforts. These involve activities with utilities, local governments,
water users, other agencies, and professional organizations.
Several areas within the SFWMD with limited water availability have
implemented 100 percent reuse. The District supports water conservation
and diversification of water supply resources in order to meet the needs
of the region.
Population and demand for water is projected to continue increasing
within the SFWMD. Reclaimed water is one option being evaluated to meet
the increased need for water. Reuse has played an important role in
South Florida's water supply and will continue to play a significant
role in the future. Non-traditional reuse activities, such a wellfield
recharge, salt-water intrusion barriers, and surface water augmentation
are being evaluated to satisfy these future needs.
Funding Assistance
The District’s planning and regulatory efforts are complimented by an
Alternative Water Supply Funding Program which provides funding to local
governments, public or private utilities, and other users for projects
that develop alternative water supplies or promote water conservation.
SFWMD Reuse Contact:
Rick Nevulis
Mail Stop 2650
P.O. Box 24680
West Palm Beach, FL 33416
phone: 561.682.6242
rnevul@sfwmd.gov
Southwest Florida Water
Management District Reuse Program
(Updated 1/31/11)
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Reuse Requirements Inside Water Resource Caution Areas
The
Southwest
Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has declared
four water resource caution areas. The rules in Chapter 40D-2,
F.A.C., provide the foundation for the District’s regulatory reuse
policies. Domestic wastewater treatment facilities located in,
serving a population within, or discharging to water resource
caution areas must investigate the feasibility of water reuse. If it
is determined feasible, then reclaimed water must be used. If
reclaimed water becomes available, water use permittees must accept
it (provided that the quantity and quality are acceptable for
intended use, and use is technically, environmentally and
economically feasible).
Download the Economic Feasibility of Reclaimed Water Use by
Non-Utility Water Use Permittees and Applicants.
Water use permittees who generate reclaimed water
must submit an annual report to the District summarizing the
quantity of wastewater generated, the quantity of reclaimed water
reused, a list of reclaimed water customers, and a map depicting the
reuse service area. Water users who receive reclaimed water must
also submit an annual report that gives an account of their use of
reclaimed water.
Annual Reclaimed Water Supplier Report Form Can be
Downloaded from
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/reclaimed/
Reuse Requirements Outside Water Resource Caution Areas
In areas outside of water resource caution areas,
Chapter
40D-2, F.A.C., requires applicants to use the lowest quality
water available, including reclaimed water, for the proposed use if
technically, environmentally, and economically feasible.
Other Efforts
The SWFWMD conducts numerous activities to promote
and encourage reuse. The District Regional Water Supply Plan
(completed every five years), and the District Strategic Plan
(updated annually), provides a road map
for managing and protecting water and related natural resources. The
water supply policies pertaining to reuse in the plan include
assuring the availability of an adequate water supply; regularly
evaluating existing available water supplies and future needs;
requiring that alternative sources be developed to the greatest
extent practicable, considering feasibility of alternatives; and
requiring that lowest quality water available to be used for
suitable purposes.
Funding Assistance
SWFWMD’s Cooperative Funding Initiative Program
provides financial assistance to local governments and utilities for
water resource related projects, including reclaimed water projects.
Typically 50 percent of the cost of design and construction,
pumping, storage, transmission, distribution, related appurtenances,
and the development of reuse master plans is funded.
Through Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, the basin boards have
budgeted approximately $327 million for 304reuse projects. When fully
constructed the 304 budgeted Cooperative Funding Program reuse projects
will increase reclaimed water use in the Southwest Florida Water
Management District by approximately 223 mgd and result in 151 mgd of
offsets to traditional water sources.
The District has developed a comprehensive reclaimed
water web page to assist suppliers and users in maximizing available
reclaimed water resources.
The District’s Reclaimed Water Webpage is located at
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/reclaimed/
SWFWMD Reuse Contact:
Anthony Andrade
2379 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34609
phone: 800.423.1476
anthony.andrade@swfwmd.state.fl.us
Suwannee River Water Management
District Reuse Program
(Updated 1/31/11)
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The
Suwannee
River Water Management District
(SRWMD) is committed to developing alternative water supply programs
with both public and private partners. Project development focus
will balance the needs of our communities and natural systems.
Alternative water supply funding is directed to partnerships that
foster collaborative efforts in addressing resource issues.
Cost-share funding is made available to communities and
other water users that have identified needs and have provided
appropriate assurances the project will be implemented where fiscally
practicable.
Reuse Requirements Inside Water Resource Caution
Areas
Water Resource Recovery Areas. For projects located
either wholly or in part within water resource recovery areas, the
District shall presume that the use of alternative water supplies is
feasible and must be implemented consistent with 3.2 of the District’s
Water Use Permitting Guide. Applicants shall coordinate with the
District to identify alternative water supplies.
Water Resource Caution Areas: For projects located
either wholly or in part within water resource caution areas, the
applicant shall provide a feasibility assessment for alternative water
supplies. The following criteria will be used to demonstrate
feasibility:
-
Environmental Feasibility: The use of an alternative
water supply is considered environmentally feasible if the source is
permitted or permittable under chapter 373 or chapter 403, FS.
-
Technical Feasibility: The use of an alternative
water supply is considered technically feasible if an uncommitted,
adequate supply of alternative water supply is available at the site
of the proposed use to meet all or part of the applicant's water
needs. Determination of technical feasibility will be based on the
following:
- An uncommitted supply of alternative water
supply means the average amount of alternative water produced
during the three lowest-flow months minus the amount of
alternative water that the provider is contractually obligated
to provide to another user.
- In the event the uncommitted supply of
alternative water is not adequate to meet the project's demands,
the applicant may request a partial allocation of water from a
traditional source. However, such partial allocation will not
exceed the amount necessary to compensate for the shortfall in
uncommitted water supply, considering total project demands
calculated pursuant to this Guide.
- Available at the project site means that the
supplier has initially provided the distribution facilities to
the project boundary. In the event distribution lines are not
provided at the project boundary, the applicant must provide an
assessment of extending the lines as part of the economic
feasibility analysis.
-
Economic Feasibility: If the applicant asserts
that the use of an alternative water supply is not economically
feasible, the applicant must provide the District with an assessment
of the economic feasibility. The applicant's economic feasibility
analysis must include all of the following:
- Capital and operation and maintenance costs.
- Adjustment in the fees and rates charged by
the applicant to account for the increased costs associated with
using a alternative water supply; and
- Design life of the alternative water supply
system as compared with the time required to recover the capital
cost.
Reuse Requirements Outside Water Resource Caution Areas
The applicant shall provide a feasibility assessment for
alternative water supplies. The following criteria will be used to
demonstrate feasibility:
- Environmental Feasibility: The use of an alternative
water supply is considered environmentally feasible if the
source is permitted or permittable under chapter 373 or
chapter 403, FS.
- Technical Feasibility: The use of an alternative water
supply is considered technically feasible if an uncommitted,
adequate supply of alternative water is available at the
site of the proposed use to meet all or part of the
applicant's water needs. Determination of technical
feasibility will be based on the following:
- An uncommitted supply of alternative water means the
average amount of alternative water produced during the
three lowest-flow months minus the amount of alternative
water that the provider is contractually obligated to
provide to another user.
- In the event the uncommitted supply of alternative
water is not adequate to meet the project's demands, the
applicant may request a partial allocation of water from
a traditional source. However, such partial allocation
will not exceed the amount necessary to compensate for
the shortfall in uncommitted water supply, considering
total project demands calculated pursuant to this Guide.
- Available at the project site means that the
supplier has initially provided the distribution
facilities to the project boundary. In the event
distribution lines are not provided at the project
boundary, the applicant must provide an assessment of
extending the lines as part of the economic feasibility
analysis.
- Economic Feasibility: If the applicant asserts that
the use of an alternative water supply is not
economically feasible, the applicant must provide the
District with an assessment of the economic feasibility.
The applicant's economic feasibility analysis must
include all of the following:
- Capital and operation and maintenance costs.
- Adjustment in the fees and rates charged by the
applicant to account for the increased costs
associated with using an alternative water supply;
and
- Design life of the alternative water supply
system as compared with the time required to recover
the capital
Other Efforts
Monticello Reclaimed
Water Program Phase II:
The City of Monticello operates a 1.0 mgd wastewater
treatment facility. The goal of this project is to
develop a reclaimed water system to initially offset
approximately 0.5 mgd of existing groundwater
withdrawals at the Simpson Nursery. Project
construction costs involve distribution and storage
facilities.
Lake City Reclaimed Water
Program Phase II:
The City of Lake City operates a 3 million gallon
per day (mgd) wastewater treatment facility that
uses a restricted public access spray field for
disposal. The goal is to implement an agricultural
reuse project to offset existing groundwater
withdrawals, with expansion in the future. Project
construction activities involve pumping facilities,
transmission mains, distribution lines, and
reclaimed water storage.
Suwannee River Partnership:
The partnership mission is to provide researched
based solutions that protect and conserve water
resources. Projects include agriculture irrigation
management and Florida Yards and Neighborhoods.
Cedar Key Water & Sewer District Reuse
Project:
This reuse project improved the efficiency of the
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District existing reuse
program. Project funding was for construction costs
relating to storage and transmission distribution
lines.
Cedar Key Plumbing Retrofit Pilot:
The City installed water saving plumbing fixtures
for facilities in City Hall, the City Community
Center, and their Elementary School. The water
saving fixtures consisted of ultra low flow toilets,
waterless urinals, and ultra low flow lavatory
faucets. This water conservation pilot project was
to assess the effectiveness of the fixtures. Based
upon the results the District will be implementing a
water conservation cost share program.
Funding
Assistance
Initially, funding for the
District’s alternative water supply program was
provided from the Water Protection and
Sustainability Trust Fund (WPSTF). Although funding
from the WPSTF during the past two years has not
been available, the District has strived to
undertake alternative water supply projects where
financially and cost effective practicable.
Project selection emphasis is determined by
potential demand offsets, project readiness,
environmental benefits, and ability to cost-share.
Conservation projects are being added to this report
as a result of recent legislation authorizing
funding conservation projects from the WPSTF. During
Fiscal Year 2010, the District collaborated on three
reclaimed water projects and two conservation
project.
|
Project: |
Budget: |
| Monticello
Agricultural Reclaimed Water Program,
Phase II |
$705,200 |
| Lake City Reclaimed
Water Program, Phase II |
$419,435 |
| Suwannee River
Partnership |
$173,537 |
| Cedar Key Sewer &
Water District Reuse Project
|
$25,000 |
| Cedar Key Plumbing
Retrofit Pilot |
$15,580 |
SRWMD Reuse Contact:
Steven Minnis
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, FL 32060
phone: 386.362.1001
sam@srwmd.org
or
Kevin Wright
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, FL 32060
phone: 386.362.1001
klw@srwmd.org
2012 State of Florida