Orlando, FL Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

1, "to encourage the use of reclaimed water in lieu of potable water, groundwater or surface waters in suitable applications, such as irrigation" and to protect both water systems from backflow contamination. 3(2) is the operative mandate: once the Director of Public Works determines reclaimed water is available, the property owner must connect within the Director's set timeframe, existing irrigation systems must switch over following notice, and new or expanded irrigation systems must connect upon installation. Once available, groundwater from onsite wells, lake or surface water, and potable water from a central supplier are all off-limits for irrigating lawns, trees, or landscaping.

11 layers on reporting duties: nonresidential users consuming more than 25,000 gallons per day on average must file a professional-engineer-certified system report, and any planned operational change must be submitted for written approval at least 90 days before implementation. 69 per thousand gallons for bulk pressure-service customers with 2-inch-plus meters, and a $35 backflow prevention inspection fee applies at least annually to every service classification. The Director bills these charges on the monthly utility statement and can discontinue service for nonpayment or for uncorrected cross-connection defects.