Melbourne, FL Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Connection deadline
- 90 days after notice of availability
- Coverage
- Mapped north and south reuse areas only
- Minimum main size
- 6 inches in diameter
- Well setback
- 75 feet from potable supply wells
- Pipe marking
- Purple color coding required
- Enforcement body
- City code enforcement board
- Base fee (FY2024)
- $15.30 per half-acre monthly
Summary
City of Melbourne requires properties inside its designated north and south reuse service areas to hook existing irrigation systems into the reclaimed water system within 90 days of a connection notice. New subdivisions and commercial developments must build reclaimed water distribution systems, and cross-connections to potable lines are barred under the city's Cross Connection Control Manual.
This division shall apply to all properties within the reuse service areas.(b)Use of reclaimed water for irrigation.(1)Reclaimed water service shall be provided for properties located within reuse service areas where reclaimed water trunk mains are available...(2)It shall be mandatory that all irrigation systems in reuse service areas be connected to the reclaimed water system within 90 days of receiving a notice of availability as provided by section 58-362(a).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
S. S. 192 to Palm Bay Road within the same east-west bounds, City Code § 58-360. Under § 58-361, once reclaimed trunk mains are available, connection is mandatory: all irrigation systems in a reuse service area must tie into the reclaimed system within 90 days of receiving a notice of availability from the city manager. New irrigation wells in those areas need a city permit and an approved backflow prevention device as a reuse backup, and no new potable-water irrigation system may be permitted where reclaimed water is available.
New developments, including platted subdivisions, must include reclaimed distribution systems at the developer's expense when the city manager determines reuse is available. Installation standards in § 58-363 set a minimum 6-inch distribution main, require all reclaimed piping and valve boxes to be purple color-coded, and impose a 75-foot setback between wetted reuse areas and potable water supply wells. Reclaimed water cannot be used to fill swimming pools, hot tubs or wading pools, and it may not enter a single-family residential unit for any purpose. 30 by October 1, 2024.
Violations & Fines
Under § 58-366, the city serves written notice on any violator and sets a reasonable correction deadline; failure to correct within that time is itself a violation referred to the city's code enforcement board, and the violator is liable for any expense, loss or damage the city incurs. Section 58-367 lets the public works and utilities director suspend a reclaimed water permit without notice when needed to stop an actual or threatened health or safety endangerment, or after notice and a chance to respond for maintenance failures; suspended users may appeal to the code enforcement board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to connect to reclaimed water in Melbourne?
Can I fill my pool with reclaimed water?
What happens if I do not connect an irrigation well properly?
How much does Melbourne charge for reclaimed water service?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Melbourne
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Melbourne to another location·View the Florida water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle recycled water rules.