Governing Board proclaims May 14–20 as Water Reuse Week

Reclaimed water use protects drinking water supplies, offsets groundwater use

PALATKA, Fla., May 11, 2023 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board has approved a resolution proclaiming May 14–20 as Water Reuse Week. This is in an effort to help promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water in the District.

Left to right: Governing Board members Gen. Douglas Burnett, Doug Bournique, Ryan Atwood, District Executive Director Mike Register, Governing Board members Vice Chair Maryam Ghyabi-White, Chair Rob Bradley, Ron Howse, Janet Price and District General Counsel Erin Preston. (Not pictured: Board member Cole Oliver).

“Florida has long been recognized for its use of reclaimed water, and as our state’s population continues to grow, it will become increasingly important to find alternative water sources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Recognizing Water Reuse Week is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the District’s efforts to implement innovative management strategies to conserve water for future generations.”

Florida water utilities began using reclaimed water in the 1970s and it has quickly become a major component of water resource management by local governments and utilities within Florida and the District. There are currently 140 facilities that provide reclaimed water throughout the District. As of 2021, those facilities produced 391 million gallons per day of reclaimed water flow, of which 223 million gallons per day was used for beneficial purposes throughout the region.

Water reuse is the process of taking what was once wastewater, treating and disinfecting it, then using the resulting high-quality reclaimed water for a beneficial purpose, such as golf course and landscape irrigation, groundwater recharge and industrial uses. Extensive treatment and disinfection ensure that public health and environmental quality are protected.

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

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 Water Reuse Week.