Orange County, FL Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cross-connections
- Prohibited
- Poor maintenance consequence
- Service disconnection
- Governing utility
- OCU
- Scope
- Unincorporated Orange County OCU customers
Summary
Orange County Utilities bars cross-connections between reclaimed and potable water and can cut off service for unsafe hookups or system misuse in unincorporated areas.
Cross connections between reclaimed water systems and potable water systems are prohibited. The presence of a cross connection on a customer's property shall constitute a violation of this article and shall be grounds for immediate discontinuance of reclaimed water service and/or water service to the customer's premises.d.OCU will monitor reclaimed water connections so as not to exceed the capacity of the system. It is the intent of OCU to maximize the use of reclaimed water. However, at times it may be necessary to limit a customer's use of reclaimed water. Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, the county makes no representation as to the continuing availability or implementation of reclaimed water service within the county. Furthermore, nothing in this article shall be construed to create a debt or general obligation of the county or a pledge of the full faith and credit or taxing power of the county.(2)Inspections.a.In order to ascertain and ensure compliance with the provisions of this article and related regulations, the county reserves the right to inspect, secure and/or disconnect any and all devices, wherever located, which connect to or control any discharge from the customer's reclaimed water distribution system.b.Inspections made by the county to ensure compliance with this article or any related regulations shall be at such times and with such frequency as the county deems necessary.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).
Full Breakdown
Customers using OCU reclaimed water must maintain their own reclaimed water system in good working condition, and any cross-connection between the reclaimed and potable water systems is banned outright. OCU also monitors connections to keep reclaimed water use within system capacity and reserves the right to limit a customer's use, while making no promise the service will keep being available or expanded.
Violations & Fines
A cross-connection or a poorly maintained reclaimed water system is grounds for immediate discontinuance of reclaimed water and/or potable water service to the property until OCU is satisfied the problem is fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my reclaimed water line to my potable water line?
Is Orange County guaranteed to keep providing reclaimed water?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the Florida water use rules overview
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