Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water is available to customers who live within the boundaries of the existing reclaimed water service area. If you are in the service area and have not enrolled in the program, you can sign up by completing the application online via Accela.

Yes. Businesses and individuals can purchase bulk quantities of reclaimed water directly from the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Port of Tampa by contacting the Wastewater Department.

You can check to see if your property is signed up for reclaimed water by calling the City of Tampa Utilities at (813) 274-8811.

To receive residential service, a standard 3/4-inch reclaimed water meter and backflow prevention device must be installed on your property. Installation of a 3/4-inch meter costs $375, plus a $15 application fee. Customers will also be responsible for all associated permit costs. Businesses and other non-residential locations that require other than a residential-size meter should call Water Development Services at (813) 274-7405 or email WaterCommitment@tampa.gov for a cost estimate.

Reclaimed water is metered and billed as a separate line item on your City utility bill at a rate of $1.20 per hundred cubic feet (CCF). One CCF is equal to 748 gallons.

Before connecting your irrigation system to Tampa's reclaimed water, you must first detach and permanently uncouple all connection points between your irrigation system and the potable (drinking) water system. Once this is complete, you may then connect your irrigation system to the reclaimed water meter. You have the choice of doing the work yourself or hiring a licensed irrigation or plumbing contractor. A permit must be obtained by the person who will complete the connection before any work is performed. 

The City will inspect the work upon completion to ensure the connections to the potable (drinking) water and reclaimed water meters comply with all applicable state and local building codes, as well as FDEP rules. The connection work must pass inspection before the system can be used. Permittees have one year from the date the permit is issued to complete the work and pass inspection. Permittees not meeting that timeline will be required to pull a new permit.

Yes. You may purchase a reclaimed water hose bibb and choose to either install it yourself or have it installed by a licensed irrigation or plumbing contractor. The reclaimed water hose bibb must comply with Florida Building Code/Plumbing, as well as with all City of Tampa and FDEP rules.

Yes. Connections between the reclaimed water system and any other public or private system are not allowed. Additionally, if you are using your well for drinking purposes, you may no longer do so unless the well is located at least 75 feet from the area irrigated with reclaimed water.

Landscapes irrigated with reclaimed water should be monitored to determine what, if any, modifications to fertilizer and irrigation practices may be needed. 

The aesthetic impact of the system is positive. Reclaimed water provides the ability to keep lawns and landscape plants green and healthy even during periods when water restrictions are tightened.

Yes. Reclaimed water is treated, continually monitored and thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Unlike most reclaimed water that is treated only twice, the reclaimed water produced at Tampa's Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant goes through three major treatment processes before being delivered to the customer. While reclaimed water is not intended as a routine water source for pets or wildlife, there is no indication that their incidental or unintentional consumption is harmful. Detailed information regarding the quality of Tampa's reclaimed water is available.

Yes. Reclaimed water for irrigation is delivered to homes and businesses through an underground distribution system entirely separate from the drinking water system. The reclaimed water system is not connected in any way to the drinking water system. The City of Tampa's reclaimed water pipe and fixtures, as well as the reclaimed meter box at your property, are purple to distinguish them from the drinking water system.

Tampa's highest water use is during its annual dry season from March through June. During this time, the water levels can become very low in the Hillsborough River Reservoir and other water sources while irrigation demands are the highest. While the City's multi-faceted Water Conservation and Efficiency Program has been in existence for more than 20 years, using valuable reclaimed water for irrigation as an alternative to potable (drinking) water helps to maximize Tampa's drinking water supply. The use of reclaimed water in place of drinking water for irrigation purposes reduces the stress on freshwater resources and helps save our natural systems.

Reclaimed water may be used any day at any time. However, we suggest the following watering days to spread usage over the week. 

• Addresses ending in an even number (or the letter A through M) may water on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
• Addresses ending in an odd number (or the letter N through Z) may water on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.