2026-O-05 - Prohibition on Direct Potable Reuse of Reclaimed BlackwaterORDINANCE NO. 2026-0-05
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER,
FLORIDA, PROHIBITING THE CITY'S WATER UTILITY
FROM USING RECLAIMED BLACKWATER AS DIRECT
SOURCE WATER FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE
CITY'S POTABLE WATER SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION, AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR
ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Edgewater, Florida, has made the following
determinations:
1. The City of Edgewater operates and regulates a public potable water system for the benefit of its
residents; and
2. The protection of the public drinking water supply is essential to the public health, safety, and
welfare; and
3. Advances in wastewater treatment technology have led to proposals commonly referred to as
"direct potable reuse" or "toilet to tap," involving the treatment and reuse of blackwater for
introduction into potable water systems; and
4. The City Council finds that prohibiting the use of reclaimed blackwater as a direct source of
potable water is a reasonable and necessary safeguard to maintain public confidence in the municipal
water supply; and
5. The City Council has the authority to regulate utilities and protect public health pursuant to its
home rule powers under Chapter 166, Florida Statutes.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Edgewater, Florida:
PART A. PROHIBITION ON DIRECT POTABLE REUSE OF BLACKWATER
The City of Edgewater shall not approve, authorize, construct, permit, or otherwise allow the use by
1
2026-0-05
the City's water utility, or any other entity operating within the City, of reclaimed blackwater as a
direct source water for introduction into the City's potable public water system. "Blackwater" means
wastewater containing human waste, including wastewater from toilets and sanitary fixtures. "Direct
potable reuse" means the introduction of treated wastewater directly into a potable water supply
system without an environmental buffer. "Potable public water system" shall have the meaning
provided under applicable Florida law and regulations.
Nothing herein shall prohibit the use of reclaimed water for non -potable purposes, including
irrigation, industrial use, or other uses permitted by law.
PART B. CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
All conflicting ordinances and resolutions, or parts thereof in conflict with this ordinance are hereby
superseded by this ordinance to the extent of such conflict.
PART C. SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY
If any portion of this ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative,
or void, such holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance. If this ordinance or
any provision thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person, property, or circumstance, such
holding shall not affect its applicability to any other person, property or circumstance.
PART D. CODIFICATION
Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated in the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Edgewater, Florida, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section", "article", or other
appropriate word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re -lettered to accomplish
such intention; provided, however, that Parts B through E shall not be codified.
PART E. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
2026-0-05
.IoAt'W
S0-O-9ZOZ
:QHAOHdJV (INV QUMHIAHU
X.iai-iTD LuiloluI `uidn Z onbtu W
LA
E/j/
jo ,ep b still U31dOQv
j�
Aliflu GNV aassvd
90-0-9ZOZ