Fort Lauderdale, FL Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Code ch. 28, art. III, div. 2, secs. 28-152/153
- Residential device
- Dual check valve (DuC) required
- Non-residential high-hazard device
- Reduced pressure principle assembly (RP)
- Repair deadline
- 10 working days after notice
- City-ordered repair fee
- 15% admin fee, 18-month payment plan
- Enforcing office
- Director of Public Works
- Cross-connection rule
- Must be eliminated immediately upon discovery
Summary
Fort Lauderdale treats reclaimed water as a cross-connection hazard, not a free substitute for potable supply. Code section 28-153 requires a dual check valve, double check valve or reduced-pressure backflow assembly at every service connection tied to an auxiliary or reclaimed water system, sized to the hazard classification the reclaimed source carries under Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
Reclaimed water means water that, as a result of treatment of wastewater, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is not safe for human consumption. [...] Premises where there is an auxiliary or reclaimed water system: At or for a residential service connection: Dual check valve (DuC); At or for a non-residential service connection: Double check valve assembly (DC) if the auxiliary or reclaimed water is a low hazard; or Reduced pressure principle backflow-prevention assembly (RP) if the auxiliary or reclaimed water is a high hazard. [...] Reclaimed water regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. is a low hazard unless it is stored with surface water in a pond that is part of a stormwater management system, in which case it is a high hazard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67 Update 1 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 58 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
counts as low hazard unless it is co-mingled with surface water in a stormwater pond, which reclassifies it as high hazard. The director of public works (section 28-154) must give written notice to install the required assembly, and under section 28-155 the customer bears the cost of testing, maintenance and any repair, which a licensed plumber or certified backflow tester must complete within ten working days of notice. Installation requires a development services department permit. Cross connections discovered between a reclaimed water system and a customer's plumbing must be eliminated immediately, with no grace period.
The city can also cut off a customer's regular water supply under section 28-190 for 'the lack of backflow prevention assembly, inspection, testing or recertification,' independent of any billing dispute.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install, certify, repair or maintain a backflow assembly, bypassing one, or leaving an unprotected cross connection is a violation under section 28-156, punishable under section 1-6 and/or chapter 11 of the Code. The director gives ten days' written notice to cure; missing it allows discontinuation of water service or city-ordered repairs billed to the owner, spread over 18 months with a 15 percent administrative fee, or a 10 percent fee for a test-only charge, with unpaid balances filed as a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Lauderdale require a backflow preventer for reclaimed water?
Who classifies a reclaimed water connection as low or high hazard?
What happens if I do not test or repair my backflow assembly?
Can I install my own backflow prevention assembly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
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