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Pipes that carry reclaimed water can be identified by their purple color.
In recognition of Water Reuse Week (May 19-25), Toho Water Authority is highlighting the importance of developing alternative water supplies to meet the growing demand on our traditional water supplies. Reclaimed water is an alternative water supply that reduces the demand on the Floridan Aquifer and preserves our natural water resources. For the past 21 years, Florida has been a national leader in water reuse. Presently, approximately 908 million gallons of water is reused per day, conserving water supplies and recharging freshwater resources. Toho is the largest provider of reclaimed water services in Osceola County and serves approximately 37,408 reclaimed water customers located in Osceola and portions of both Polk and Orange County.
What is Water Reuse?
Water reuse is the practice of reclaiming wastewater that is then treated and reused for beneficial purposes such as irrigation, agricultural and industrial purposes. Currently, Toho has nine water reclamation facilities. These facilities treat and pump over 27 million gallons of reclaimed water each day. The reclaimed water is tested daily by our laboratory to ensure it complies with state and federal regulations. Water recycling is an integral part of wastewater management, water resource management and ecosystem management.
Purple Pipes
Have you ever seen a pipe, sprinkler or equipment that is purple? Purple is the universal color for reclaimed water. Toho’s reclaimed water is used for residential and commercial irrigation, industrial purposes, agriculture and groundwater recharge. Approximately 3 million gallons per day is reused for groundwater recharge and 2.5 million gallons per day is for industrial use.
Reclaimed Water Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
- Reclaimed water’s level of treatment makes it acceptable for:
- Irrigating landscapes
- Agricultural uses such as citrus and pasture lands
- Aquifer recharge via rapid infiltration basins
- Industrial and manufacturing applications
- Wetlands creation, restoration and enhancement
- Fire hydrants and fire protection systems
- Decorative fountains and ponds
- Dust reduction purposes such as construction sites
Don’ts
- Pipes that carry reclaimed water can be identified by their purple color.
Reclaimed water is also a limited resource. It takes wastewater from 6-7 houses to make enough reclaimed water to irrigate the landscape of one house. Due to this ratio, it is vital that this resource is used efficiently.
