Reuse of wastewater has significantly reduced the discharge of effluent into the environment, and its implementation will continue to grow at a steady rate. Reclaimed water is also an important alternative water source, helping water users reduce withdrawals of traditional water supplies by about 4%.
Reuse could be further expanded, but the implications of such policies need to be considered. Reuse is not widely used in southeastern Florida and could serve as an effective, but costly, alternative to ocean outfalls and underground injection disposal of wastewater. Water management districts could use their regulatory authority to require users to assume the additional cost of using reclaimed water when feasible.
Issues relating to the allocation and pricing of reclaimed water are likely to increase in future years and may ultimately require reconsideration of regulatory policies.

Progress Report: Florida Water Policy. Discouraging Competing Applications for Water Permits: Encouraging Cost-Effective Water Development
Report 99-06 August 1999
Follow-Up Report on the Surface Water Improvement and Management Program
Report 97-58 March 1998
Follow-up Report on the Performance Audit of the Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program Administered by the Department of Environmental Protection
Report 97-03 July 1997
Review of the Reuse of Reclaimed Water
Report 96-61 March 1997

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.