Franklin, TN Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 5+ acres, 10+ units, or mandatory landscaping
- Usage threshold
- 7,500+ gallons/day within 1,000 feet of line
- Permit required
- Reclaimed water use permit before connection
- Pipe color
- Purple pipe, never for drinking
- Administering agency
- Franklin Water Management Department
Summary
Franklin requires large developments, over 5 acres, 10+ units, or mandatory-landscaping projects using 7,500+ gallons a day near an existing line, to install a dual reclaimed water system and get a use permit before connecting.
A reclaimed water system may be required in developments with more than five acres or ten building units and in developments with mandatory landscaping requirements. The potential amount of reclaimed water used by the development and the location of the development in relation to the Franklin reclaimed water system will be the criteria used to determine whether a reclaimed water system will be required for the development. In general, developments that use 7,500 gallons per day or more of reclaimed water (as determined by floor/area ratio and greenspace irrigation requirements) and are located within 1,000 feet of an existing reclaimed water system will be required to install a reclaimed water system.
All developments subject to these requirements shall submit to the Franklin Water Management Department an estimate of the potential water reuse quantities within the proposed development (in conjunction with the site plan submittal to the planning and sustainability department). A designated representative of the Franklin Water Management Department shall determine the extent of the reclaimed water system to be installed in the proposed development.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Franklin Water Management Department requires a dual potable/reclaimed water system in qualifying developments under Franklin Municipal Code § 18-404, generally projects over five acres, ten building units, or subject to mandatory landscaping, that would use 7,500 gallons per day or more of reclaimed water within 1,000 feet of an existing reclaimed line. Developers submit a water-reuse estimate with their site plan, and every site using reclaimed water, for irrigation, construction water, industrial use, fountains, or toilet/urinal flushing, must first obtain a reclaimed water use permit under § 18-405 from the city. Reclaimed water is purple-pipe delivered and is never approved for drinking.
Violations & Fines
Using reclaimed water without a use permit, reselling it without city and state approval, or bypassing required backflow protection can result in disconnection and billing under the reclaimed water rate schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink Franklin's reclaimed water?
Does every new development need a reclaimed water system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee water use rules overview
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