Florida and Reclaimed Water September 21, 2017 Stephen James, Esq., Director, Office of Water Policy Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Florida has a population of nearly 20 million. In addition, Florida enjoys more than 100 million visitors annually. Florida is also home to 9.5 million acres of agriculture. “[I]t is the policy of the Legislature that the waters in the state be managed on a state and regional basis.”

Water Use, 2015-2035

Projected Water Demand by Sector

Per Capita 9/18/2018

20-Year Demand Projections Over the next 20 years… Net Demand Change Future Demand Not Met Future Demand Not Met after Conservation Potential Water from AWS Projects Statewide 1,175.6 mgd 421.2 mgd 241.9-253.8 mgd 1,462.7 mgd

Investment in AWS Reclaimed Water Other AWS Total Total number of projects 402 176 578 Total Project Cost $2,368,899,246 $2,740,438,042 $5,109,337,287 WPSP Funds $66,874,829 $73,243,565 $140,118,394 District Match to Date $281,054,947 $449,057,557 $730,112,504 Sponsor Match $1,935,349,963 $1,886,351,620 $3,821,701,583 Water Created by Sept. 30, 2016 (mgd) 268.53 318.62 587.15 Water Created when Project Complete (mgd) 330.03 478.03 808.06 9/18/2018

Planning for Growth Florida Law requires that the water management districts assess its water supplies in view of the expected population and economic growth. If there is not enough traditional water (e.g., fresh groundwater) to serve that growth, then the districts develop Regional Water Supply Plans. Every colored area on the map to the right is a region in which a plan has been developed. Without the development of alternative water supplies, these areas would not have enough traditional sources to meet growing needs.

Reclaimed Water “Reclaimed water” means water that has received at least secondary treatment and basic disinfection and is reused after flowing out of a domestic wastewater treatment facility. Reclaimed water is “environmentally acceptable” and may be “presumed available” and required “in lieu of groundwater or surface water” Reclaimed water is not subject to regulation until it has been discharged into waters as defined in s. 403.031(13). See section 373.019(18), F.S.

Statutory Context Ch. 403: Wastewater facilities (0.1 mgd or greater) in a water resource caution area must prepare a reuse feasibility study at time of application for permit. If study shows it’s feasible, the applicant must give significant consideration to its implementation. See sections 403.064 and 373.250, F.S.

Statutory Context Ch. 403: Wastewater facilities (0.1 mgd or greater) in a water resource caution area must prepare a reuse feasibility study at time of application for permit. If study shows it’s feasible, the applicant must give significant consideration to its implementation. See sections 403.064 and 373.250, F.S.

Annual Reuse Inventory Database and Annual Report Updated Annually Available at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/reuse/inventory.htm

Reclaimed Water Usage In 2016, a total of 431 reuse systems allowed for the use of 760 mgd of reclaimed water for beneficial purposes This is 44% of the total domestic wastewater flow in the state. This is up 3% since 2015 predominately due to increases in reuse in public access areas, which increased 19.04 mgd in reuse flows. 9/18/2018

Reuse Flow, 1998-2016 9/18/2018

2015 Reclaimed Water Utilization by Flow Includes 397,750 residences, 574 golf courses, 1,053 parks, and 381 schools

Map of Per Capita Reuse Flow by County

Central Florida Water Initiative The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Regional Water Supply Plan was adopted by 3 districts in 2015.

CFWI Projected Demands

CFWI and Reclaimed Water 2010 178 mgd (92%) of the 193 mgd of treated wastewater generated is reused for beneficial purposes. By 2035, wastewater collected projected to increase by 63% to 314 mgd. This represents a potential increase of approximately 121 mgd of reclaimed water between 2010 and 2035.

CFWI’s Reclaimed Water Future The 2015 RWSP identifies: 142 potential water supply development projects Which includes 87 reclaimed water projects The 87 reclaimed water projects: Estimated capital cost of $452 million Could deliver 121 mgd of projected increase in reuse flows Could potentially deliver 165 mgd with supplemental sources.

Matching Supplies and Demands Regulatory Water Quality SB 536 Study: Impediments Cost and Funding Matching Supplies and Demands Regulatory Water Quality Public Input and Involvement Long-Term Uncertainty Scaling up to Regional Solutions 9/18/2018

SB 536 Study: Recommendations Identify a funding source-prioritizing potable offset, aquifer recharge and system restoration Streamline regulatory framework Chapter 403, F.S., specifically Permitting Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. (Reuse of Reclaimed Water and Land Application); Chapter 62-699, F.A.C. (Treatment Plan Classification and Staffing) Chapter 62-528, F.A.C. (Underground Injection Control) Develop a means to pursue direct potable reuse Define direct potable reuse Develop a process that is transparent and protective of human health 9/18/2018

Legislation: SB 536 Recommendations Determine when the use of reclaimed water is “environmentally, economically, and technically feasible.” Presumption of economic feasibility if facilities are available. Develop “reclaimed water service areas” and require reuse for lawn and landscape in those areas. Find new ways to incentivize and expand the use of reclaimed water, including educational outreach, DEP/WMD coordination, stormwater supplementation, tiered rate structures, ICI sector development. 9/18/2018

We’re all in this together.