Resources for Owners, Operators, and Managers of Reuse Systems

Here are some helpful resources for owners, operators, and managers of reuse systems.

• Cross-Connection Control
• Public Notification Requirements for Public Access Reuse Systems
• Code of Good Practices for Water Reuse in Florida
• Domestic Wastewater Facilities Using Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
• Laboratory Certification and Pathogen Monitoring

Cross-Connection Control

Part III of Chapter 62-610, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), deals with public access reuse systems. These systems include irrigation of golf courses, residential areas, parks, school grounds, and edible crops. Reclaimed water meeting the requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., is a high-quality non-potable water supply that is not meant for potable (drinking) purposes. Prevention of cross-connections between potable water supply lines and reclaimed water lines is imperative to the goal of protecting public health. 

Learn more about cross-connection control requirements.

Public Notification Requirements for Public Access Reuse Systems

Public notification is important because the public has a right to know and to make informed decisions about reclaimed water usage. Informed users make better decisions and will use reclaimed water appropriately, and informed users are less likely to create cross-connections between drinking water and reuse lines.

Learn more about public notification requirements for public access reuse systems.  

Code of Good Practices for Water Reuse in Florida

DEP and the Florida Water Environment Association’s Water Reuse Committee have developed the Code of Good Practices for Water Reuse in Florida. This document is designed to aid reuse utilities as they implement quality water reuse programs. The focus is on reuse systems that provide reclaimed water for irrigation of public access areas (golf courses, parks, and other landscaped areas), residential lawns, and edible food crops. These types of reuse activities are regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.

Domestic Wastewater Facilities Using Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection

Learn more about Florida's UV disinfection requirements and a list of facilities that provide UV disinfection.

Laboratory Certification and Pathogen Monitoring

Rule 62-160.300, F.A.C., requires that all laboratories generating environmental data for submission to DEP hold certification from the Florida Department of Health’s Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (ELCP). The ELCP is in a position to grant certification to laboratories offering analytical services for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using EPA Method 1623 for non-potable waters. DEP has communicated with laboratories that provide analytical services for Giardia and Cryptosporidium about the lab certification requirements. A listing of all certified labs is maintained on the DEP Laboratory's webpage.

For more information on pathogens and DEP's pathogen monitoring requirements, please see: 

• Monitoring for Protozoan Pathogens in Reclaimed Water: Florida’s Requirements and Experience; and
• DEP Pathogen Removal Study - This study was conducted to evaluate the removal of Cryptosporidium and Giardia at different points within a domestic wastewater treatment plant located in Central Florida.