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Water Use Rules

Fort Myers's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Fort Myers, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycled Water Rules

Fort Myers reclaimed water service is bulk-only: for industrial/agricultural users and new residential subdivisions that build their own distribution lines. Existing homes don't qualify, and every connection needs a backflow device and a meter.

Key details: Service type: Bulk service only. Existing residential: Not eligible for connection. Application fee: $150 per connection. Backflow device: Required, tested annually.

Connecting without an approved, annually-tested backflow device, tampering with a reclaimed water meter, or cross-connecting to another water source is grounds for immediate service discontinuance under Sec. 90-160 through 90-164, plus repair costs and reconnection charges billed to the customer.

Leak Reporting Duty

Fort Myers water customers must keep their service pipe, stopcocks, and apparatus in good repair, prevent waste, and repair leaks after written notice or face misdemeanor penalties under the city code.

Key details: Governing section: Fort Myers Code § 90-34. Duty: keep service pipe in good repair. Process: written notice, reasonable time to fix. Noncompliance: misdemeanor under § 1-14. City liability: none for pipe breakage.

Failure to repair a service pipe within the reasonable time set in the city's written notice is a misdemeanor, punishable under the general penalty provision, City Code § 1-14.

The Bottom Line

Fort Myers's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fort Myers is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Fort Myers's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.