District recognizes May 19-25 as Florida Water Reuse Week

The district’s board approved a resolution proclaiming May 19-25 as Florida Water Reuse Week.

PALATKA, Fla., May 1, 2019 — To help promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water, the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board has approved a resolution proclaiming May 19-25 as Florida Water Reuse Week.

“Florida is proud to lead the nation in water reuse, long ago recognizing reclaimed water as a way to conserve traditional freshwater supplies,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board Secretary Charles Drake. “Approval of this resolution demonstrates the district’s continued support of the expanded use of reclaimed water to protect Florida’s water supply for future generations.”

Water reuse is the process of using highly treated wastewater for a beneficial purpose. Currently, there are 140 reuse systems in the district that use more than 223 million gallons per day of reclaimed water for things like irrigation of greenspaces, groundwater recharge, environmental enhancement and industrial purposes.

Since Florida utilities began using reclaimed water in the 1970s, it has become a major component of water resource management by local governments and utilities within the state of Florida and the district.

Since 2007, the state of Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, water utilities, local governments and water-related organizations have declared the third week in May as Florida Water Reuse Week to promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water.

The district actively promotes and encourages efficient and effective use of reclaimed water by:

• Implementing a cooperative funding program that provides financial assistance to entities developing alternative water supplies, including water reuse;
• Funding studies and pilot programs that promote innovative treatment technologies; and
• Engaging in innovative uses and applications of reclaimed water.

For information about the district’s cooperative funding program, visit the district online at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/.