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1. What is reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that has been transformed into a product that generally meets standards normally applied to drinking water. In addition to the advanced treatment process, reclaimed water must meet strict Florida Department of Environmental Protection Reclaim Standards for quality before it is provided to our customers.

It also takes the wastewater usage of 3 to 5 homes to produce enough reclaim to supply one home's daily irrigation demand. Thus, there are times when reclaim is unavailable because of treatment issues or high demands.

If your irrigation system appears not to be working, please contact the Utilities Department at 407-905-3159 to check reclaim availability.

2. Is reclaimed water service's availability reliable?

Reclaim water is usually available for use by customers. Ocoee's reclaimed water must go through 5 different processes while continuously being tested, ensuring the final output will qualify for public contact standards. If any test fails, reclaim is immediately diverted to storage and reprocessed to ensure water quality.

3. How can reclaimed water be used?

Reclaimed water should be used mostly for the irrigation of lawns, flower beds, commercial properties, highway medians, parks, athletic fields, and schools. It can also be used for outside cleaning such as car washing, pressure washing, ornamental fountains / waterfalls, and the maintaining of pond levels.

4. Is it recommended for any other purposes?

Not at this time. You will still have to use potable (drinking) water for pools, hot tubs, or water-to-air cooling and heating systems. It can be used with vegetable and fruit gardens, however the produce must be peeled, cooked, or heat processed prior to eating. To ensure that we keep the drinking water pure, cross connections between the reclaimed water system and potable water or well systems are not allowed.

5. Is reclaimed water safe?

Yes, but it is not designated as drinking water. Physical contact with reclaimed water has no known negative health effects, so if you are accidentally splashed or sprayed with reclaimed water, there is no reason to be alarmed. Reclaimed water must meet strict Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards for quality before it is provided to our customers. The system is supervised 24 hours a day by licensed treatment plant personnel, as well as electronic monitoring devices.

6. Is the water safe for my grass and plants?

Very much so! In fact, the low level of nutrients contained in the water can be very beneficial to plant and turf growth. The treatment of reclaimed water produces water that is nonstaining, odorless, and has a good appearance.

7. Will it cost less?

Yes, it will! The rate charged for irrigation is less than drinking water. Please visit the Utility Billing section for current rates.

8. When can I irrigate with reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water is not subject to watering restrictions at this time. Please keep in mind, however, that the City of Ocoee recommends you do not irrigate between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.