Orlando is a leader in reclaimed water use. The city and surrounding utilities deliver highly treated wastewater through a separate distribution system, marked by purple pipes and purple valve covers, for irrigation and other non-potable uses. For homeowners, reclaimed water offers significant advantages. It also comes with specific requirements that differ from a standard potable water connection.
What Reclaimed Water Is
Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated to a high standard and is suitable for irrigation and other non-drinking uses. It is not potable. It is not intended for drinking, cooking, or filling pools. But it is clean enough for lawns, gardens, and certain industrial applications. Using reclaimed water for irrigation reduces demand on the Floridan Aquifer and on the drinking water treatment system. It is one of the most effective water conservation measures available in Central Florida.
Why Orlando Uses It
Florida’s population continues to grow, and the demand for drinking water places pressure on groundwater supplies. Reclaimed water provides an alternative source for irrigation that does not compete with drinking water. The St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection both encourage reclaimed water use. Many Orlando-area utilities offer reclaimed water at a lower rate than potable water, and some offer it at no additional charge beyond a connection fee.
Availability and Connection
Reclaimed water is not available everywhere. It is generally available in areas where the utility has installed the distribution network, which tends to follow newer development and certain established neighborhoods. If reclaimed water is available on your street, connecting an irrigation system to it requires a separate meter and a cross-connection control assembly. The connection is typically installed by the utility or by a licensed contractor working with the utility. Our article on backflow prevention and testing covers the cross-connection requirements.
Watering Restrictions
One of the biggest advantages of reclaimed water is that it is often exempt from the day-of-week watering restrictions that apply to potable water. Because reclaimed water does not draw from the drinking water supply, the restrictions that limit potable irrigation do not apply in the same way. However, some rules still apply. Watering is still not permitted during the heat of the day, and the system must meet specific requirements. Our guide on Orlando watering restrictions explains the difference between potable and reclaimed schedules.
System Requirements
Irrigation systems using reclaimed water must be designed and installed to prevent cross-connection with potable lines. This means separate piping, separate valves, and a cross-connection control assembly. Reclaimed water is also higher in nutrients and dissolved solids than potable water, which can affect irrigation components. Filters may be required to protect emitters and valves. Drip irrigation systems in particular benefit from filtration when using reclaimed water. Our article on drip irrigation vs. spray heads covers the filtration considerations.
Signage and Identification
Reclaimed water systems are required to be clearly identified. Purple pipe, purple valve covers, and warning signs are standard. This is a public safety measure. If you are having a system installed or repaired, confirm that the contractor is using the correct identification materials. If you are buying a home with reclaimed water, verify that the system is properly labeled and that the cross-connection assembly is current on its testing.
Maintenance Differences
Reclaimed water systems require the same basic maintenance as potable systems, with a few additions. Filters need more frequent attention. Emitters and nozzles may clog more quickly and require cleaning. Backflow and cross-connection assemblies must be tested annually, as described in our backflow guide. And because reclaimed water is not potable, any work on the system should be done with appropriate precautions. Our Orlando irrigation maintenance checklist covers the recurring tasks.
Is Reclaimed Water Right for You?
If reclaimed water is available on your street, connecting your irrigation system to it is almost always a good decision. The water is less expensive or free, the supply is reliable, and the exemptions from day-of-week restrictions make it easier to keep a lawn healthy. The connection cost and the additional filtration and maintenance are modest compared to the long-term savings. If reclaimed water is not available, a well-designed potable system with a smart controller and drip zones in the beds is the next best option. Our guide on smart controllers covers the technology that makes either system more efficient.
The Bottom Line
Reclaimed water is one of Orlando’s most valuable water conservation tools. For homeowners who have access to it, it offers lower costs, fewer restrictions, and a smaller environmental footprint. For those who do not, the same conservation goals can be achieved through efficient design and smart scheduling. Either way, the result is a landscape that stays healthy while using less water.
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