Public Utilities - Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed Water

UPDATE - Reclaimed Water Service for Beach and Island Estates Areas

Reclaimed water service has been restored to Clearwater Beach and Island Estates. On Thursday, July 22, the reclaimed water line was pressure-tested and flushed to ensure that debris and air was expelled from the system, and the line is fully operational once again. The interruption in service happened when an 18-inch subaqueous reclaimed water line main was accidentally hit by a contractor on Friday, July 9, resulting in an interruption of reclaimed water service to customers in the Island Estates and Clearwater Beach areas.

City of Clearwater representatives met on Friday, July 16 with Meisner Marine, the contractor building the downtown boat slips project. The contractor inspected the damaged area of the line and worked with the city to fix it. Special materials that were needed for the underwater repair were ordered, and Public Utilities staff prepared the line and cleaned out the pipe prior to installation.

Repairs to the underwater pipeline were completed and service was restored within 14 days. While no utility can guarantee uninterruptible service, the City of Clearwater has maintained an admirable record of providing reliable reclaimed water service.

While we regret the recent service interruption, utility accounts of affected customers will not be credited. City Code Sections 32.369 and 32.370 specifically address interruptions to reclaimed water service and the City’s responsibility. Fortunately, the Tampa Bay area has received substantial rainfall recently, due to the rainy season, which helped to keep Clearwater lawns and landscaping watered. For more information, call (727) 562-4600.

Reclaiming the Future of Our Water

Clearwater is reclaiming our future by providing reclaimed water to residents throughout city boundaries. Current reclaimed water projects already under construction include those in the Morningside, Skycrest, Lake Chautauqua, and Coachman Ridge areas. Residents in the Clearwater Harbor and Glen Oaks/Palmetto regions of the city can expect to get reclaimed water soon, as these projects are already in the design phase.

Making the Connections: Reclaimed and Drinking Water Supplies

Clearwater is a vibrant coastal community. Our plan to provide reclaimed water here and elsewhere is part of our program to ensure that we have the water we need today and in the future and that all of our residents have high quality water at an affordable price. As the demand for fresh, clean water increases we are going to face significant management problems. How do we protect the environment that provides our drinking water while still getting the water we need? And, how will we manage the cost of water? The use of reclaimed water (RCW) helps us preserve high quality drinking water, by providing a reliable and economical alternative source of irrigation water. It is in coastal areas like ours that ground water supplies are most limited.

The use of reclaimed water for irrigation helps us manage our drinking water supplies and costs because we postpone the day when we'll have to acquire new drinking water supplies. Drinking water is a precious, limited resource, while reclaimed water is readily available.

We're planning for a great quality of life. Reclaimed water is part of that plan. The City of Clearwater has planned, budgeted and acquired grants to ensure that reclaimed water would be available to this community. Contracts for the grant money require that at least 50 percent of the homes in the community take the reclaimed water.

Resident Benefits of Reclaimed Water

• Use of RCW for non-potable (non drinking) purposes is less expensive than using potable water.
• Drought resistant source of irrigation water.
• RCW is likely better quality and does not leave stains or have odors.
• Irrigation with RCW is allowed 7 days per week.
• Opportunity for neighborhoods to receive grant funding from the SWFWMD.
• RCW will help to limit future utility rate increases.
• RCW can positively affect property values.
• Learn more about the benefits of reclaimed water by clicking here.

Community Benefits of Reclaimed Water

• RCW minimizes negative effects to underground water sources, preserving quality of life for people, plants and animals.
• RCW could save millions of gallons of drinking water each day and help us manage costs.
• Protects the bay by reusing water that would otherwise be discharged in the bay.
• Water supply development in the region could be reduced.
• Use of RCW for irrigation purposes helps Clearwater work cooperatively with the Water Management District.
• With proper management, and wise use of all our available water resources, we can ensure water for ourselves, and our children, for generations to come.

Sign up for Reclaimed Water Today!

For current rate information, please call Clearwater Clearwater Customer Service at 727-562-4600.