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Backflow preventers are required on the drinking water supply line when reclaimed water is also provided for irrigation. The backflow preventer protects the home’s residents and the community’s drinking water supply. |
Reclaimed Water is Intended for Irrigation
In addition to landscape irrigation, reclaimed water can be used to irrigate fruits and vegetables that are washed, peeled or cooked before consumption. Reclaimed water cannot be sprayed directly on crops that are eaten raw or are not peeled. However in these cases, drip irrigation of reclaimed water can be used since it does not come into direct contact with the vegetation.
Florida statutes prohibit the use of reclaimed water for human or animal consumption, inside dwellings for any purpose, to fill swimming pools and spas, for washing or to cool residential air-conditioning systems.
What are JEA’s responsibilities concerning reclaimed water?
JEA is responsible for the treatment and delivery of reclaimed water to its customers as the provider. JEA is also responsible for ensuring the safety of the public drinking water.
To fulfill these responsibilities, JEA is mandated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to take measures to prevent the possibility of cross connections between the potable (drinking) and reclaimed systems.
JEA is required by DEP to conduct periodic inspections of the reclaimed water system to ensure there are no cross connections with the drinking water system. These inspections help protect the customer’s home and our public drinking water supply. The inspector will leave information about the inspection on the homeowner’s door.
What are the responsibilities of the reclaimed water customer?
Reclaimed water customers are required to install a JEA-approved backflow prevention device on their drinking water system before they can receive reclaimed water.
This device is installed on the customer’s drinking water pipe near the water meter and prevents reclaimed water from entering the public system if someone accidentally cross connects the pipelines. Backflow preventers capable of being tested must be tested annually; approved devices that cannot be tested must be replaced every five years. A list of JEA’s approved backflow vendors (for the installation, repair and testing of backflow preventers) is available at Preferred Backflow Vendors List.
Find out more about cross connection control by reading our cross connection control policy or call our voice mail at 904 665-4410. You may also email us at backflow@jea.com. |
