What is reclaimed water in Brevard County, FL?
Reclaimed water is highly treated, non-potable water that Brevard County Utility Services delivers for lawn irrigation in parts of the Space Coast, including Viera, Rockledge, Merritt Island, and north Melbourne. It costs less than drinking water and keeps landscapes green.
If you are buying a home on the Space Coast and you see "reclaimed water" listed on the utilities, that is a feature worth understanding. Reclaimed water is a separate irrigation supply that many Brevard County neighborhoods use to water lawns and landscaping, and it usually costs less than running your sprinklers on regular drinking water.
It is common in central Brevard County, and buyers relocating from out of state often have never seen it before. Here is how it works, where you find it, and what you can and cannot do with it.
Where is reclaimed water available on the Space Coast?
Brevard County Utility Services provides reclaimed water for irrigation to parts of unincorporated central Brevard County, including portions of north Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, and Merritt Island. The county lists active reclaimed service areas that include Viera, Merritt Island, Mims, South Beaches, and Barefoot Bay.
Not every home in these areas is connected, and availability depends on the specific street and subdivision. When you are looking at a Space Coast property, the reclaimed water connection is something to confirm during your due diligence, because it affects your monthly irrigation cost.
What can reclaimed water be used for?
Per Brevard County, reclaimed water is intended for outdoor, non-drinking uses. Approved uses include:
- Landscape and lawn irrigation
- Hose irrigation with an approved spigot security device
- Irrigation of citrus
With specific authorization, it can also be used for certain edible crops that will be peeled, cooked, or thermally processed, decorative fountains, and fire protection.
It may NOT be used for:
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, or wading pools
- Washing vehicles, sidewalks, or driveways
- Any indoor plumbing inside a residence
- Connecting to a drinking water system
- Irrigation on a property that is served by a potable water well
Reclaimed water is treated and disinfected and is considered safe for incidental contact, but it is not drinking water and is never approved for drinking or cooking with directly.
What is the reclaimed water watering schedule?
Brevard County sets a watering schedule that follows the St. Johns River Water Management District conservation practices. You should not water between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM so the storage tanks can refill. The schedule shifts with the seasons:
| Season | Odd addresses (end 1,3,5,7,9) | Even addresses (end 0,2,4,6,8) | Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight Saving (March to November) | Wednesdays and Saturdays | Thursdays and Sundays | Tuesdays and Fridays |
| Standard Time (November to March) | Saturdays | Sundays | Tuesdays |
Because reclaimed supply depends on treatment quality and tank levels, the county notes that service can be interrupted for short periods without warning. That is normal for reclaimed systems across the Space Coast and not a sign of a problem with your home.
Does reclaimed water save money?
For homeowners with irrigated lawns, reclaimed water is generally billed at a lower rate than potable drinking water, which is the main reason Brevard County communities like Viera use it so widely. It also keeps demand off the drinking water supply. You can review the current county utility rates to see how reclaimed and potable service compare for your address.
If you are comparing two Space Coast homes and one has reclaimed irrigation while the other waters landscaping on drinking water, that difference can show up on your utility bill every month, especially in the drier spring season when lawns need the most water.
Frequently asked questions
Is reclaimed water safe for kids and pets?
Brevard County treats and disinfects reclaimed water and considers it safe for incidental contact, such as being near a running sprinkler. It is not drinking water, so it should never be consumed by people or pets, and it is not for filling pools or wading pools.
Do all Viera homes have reclaimed water?
Viera is one of the primary reclaimed water areas in central Brevard County, but connection depends on the specific street and community. Confirm the reclaimed water connection for any Viera or Space Coast home you are considering before you assume it is included.
Can I use reclaimed water if I have a well?
No. Brevard County states that reclaimed water may not be used for irrigation on a property that is already served by a potable water well. This is one reason it matters to know exactly what water sources a Space Coast property has.
Utilities, irrigation, and the little cost details are exactly the things I walk relocation buyers through before they fall for a house. My partner Nichole and I got your back. Reach out anytime at (321) 212-7676 or www.livingspacecoast.com.
Considering Brevard?
Thinking about a Space Coast home? We can help you sort it out.
We are Rachel Langley and Nichole Barna, REALTORS with Blue Marlin Real Estate. Rachel relocated to Brevard County in 2022, so we know this move from both sides. We help buyers and sellers across the Space Coast every week.
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Book a Call With UsCall us BEFORE you walk into a model home or open house.
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Text us at 321-212-7676 first. We meet you there. You still get the new construction. You also get two REALTORS who negotiate pricing, contract terms, inspections, and repairs every week.
Read this next: If Your Space Coast Home Insurance Is Not Renewed: A Brevard County FL Guide
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