Florida Legislature Passes Bill to Expand Use of Reclaimed Water

A bill to direct the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study and submit a report on expanding the use of reclaimed water in Florida passed through the Florida Legislature Monday.

SB 536, sponsored by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, would permit the two agencies to study and submit a report on broadening the use of reclaimed water in Florida, including storm-water and excess surface water.

Floridians currently consume seven billion gallons of water a day -- a number projected to increase to nine billion gallons per day by 2030.

The bill won the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which called the legislation an example of "smart, sustainable planning for Florida's future."

"Providing smart solutions that will address long-term water needs are steps in the right direction to ensure adequate resources," read an email from the Chamber. "The Florida Chamber supports the expanded use of alternative water supplies such as reclaimed water and associated projects that encourage alternative water storage. Expanding the use of alternative water supplies like reclaimed water can go a long way toward helping to conserve the states potable surface water and groundwater resources.

"The Florida Chamber thanks Sen. Simpson and House bill sponsor Representative Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville, for their support."