COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
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Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
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DEPARTMENT:
Public Works & Utilities
SUMMARY:
The City Council is requested to consider approval of an ordinance proposing an amendment to the City Charter to prohibit the use of reclaimed blackwater as a direct source of water (Potable Reuse) for introduction into the City’s potable public water system.
Pursuant to Section 166.031, Florida Statutes, amendments to the municipal charter must be approved by referendum. This ordinance provides for placement of the proposed charter amendment on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot for voter consideration.
The City of Edgewater currently provides wastewater collection and treatment services to approximately 11,650 customers and operates a reclaimed water system consisting of pump stations and approximately 93.3 miles of distribution piping.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the City produced an average of approximately 1.676 million gallons per day (MGD) of reclaimed water, of which approximately 92.5% was beneficially reused, while approximately 7.5% was managed through permitted discharge or other approved disposal methods.
Reclaimed water is currently utilized for irrigation and other permitted reuse applications. Additional reuse capacity is anticipated through projects such as the Deering Park wetland system, which will provide environmental benefits and support reclaimed water management.
In accordance with Florida Statute 403.064 (Senate Bill 64), the City is required to eliminate non-beneficial surface water discharges by January 1, 2032. As outlined in the City’s SB64 Annual Progress Report and supporting technical evaluation, the City is actively evaluating long-term reclaimed water management strategies to meet these requirements.
Potential compliance strategies may include expanded reuse, storage solutions, environmental applications, and other permitted disposal methods. Certain options, such as underground injection or indirect potable reuse, are regulated under State and Federal programs and include stringent safeguards to protect public health and drinking water sources.
The proposed charter amendment would prohibit the use of reclaimed blackwater as a direct potable water source. While this action is intended to protect the City’s potable water supply and maintain public confidence, it may limit certain future regulatory compliance options and could result in increased capital and operational costs associated with alternative reclaimed water management solutions.
Staff will continue to evaluate all available reclaimed water management options and provide additional information as needed to support compliance with State regulations and long-term system sustainability.
BUDGETED ITEM: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the ordinance proposing a Charter Amendment to prohibit the use of reclaimed blackwater as a direct source water supply for the City’s potable water system and authorize placement of the referendum question on the November 3, 2026 ballot for voter consideration.