Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water programs save drinking water and decrease the amount of treated wastewater pumped back into the ground
Reclaimed water is treated wastewater that is purified to such a high degree that it meets federal and state drinking water standards. At the end of the wastewater treatment process at our Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility, the effluent actually meets drinking water standards. Most of this high quality water is discharged back into the lower regions of the Floridan Aquifer. The Kanapaha Plant is one of two plants in the state of Florida that is permitted to discharge drinking water quality effluent directly into the aquifer.
GRU supplies reclaimed water as a source of quality irrigation. Using reclaimed water allows us to irrigate many areas, including schools, parks and golf courses. It reduces the amount of new ground water pumped from the Floridan Aquifer and decreases the amount of treated wastewater that returns to the aquifer.
In the near future, we plan to expand reclaimed water to other residential neighborhoods and commercial establishments. Using reclaimed water today helps ensure we have a high quality supply of drinking water available for future generations.
Water Reuse Programs:
Chapman's Pond & Nature Trails
TREEO Water Gardens
At UF's Center of Training Research Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO), GRU designed a reclaimed water stream for the reflecting pond in order to rid it of algae and enhance its natural beauty.
Kanapaha Middle School
GRU partnered with the Alachua County School Board for a water reuse program that provides an ecological study area for students at Kanapaha Middle School.
Haile Plantation
GRU supplies reclaimed water to a golf course and several residential neighborhoods.
Alachua County Kanapaha Park
Irrigated with reclaimed water, this park features a playground area, Veterans Memorial and multipurpose field.
