CS/HB 639 — Reclaimed Water
by State Affairs Committee; and Rep. Young and others (CS/SB 1086 by Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and Senator Garcia)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (EP)
The bill addresses the regulation and use of reclaimed water. It defines “reclaimed water” and “reclaimed water distribution system.” It reaffirms that reclaimed water is an alternative water supply and eligible for such funding and authorizes specified contract provisions for the development of reclaimed water as an alternative water supply. It gives reclaimed water utilities more control over reclaimed water and prohibits the water management districts from requiring a permit for reclaimed water. However, the bill authorizes the water management districts to require reclaimed water under certain circumstances. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection and each water management district to initiate rulemaking to adopt specified revisions to the water resource implementation rule. It authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate the use of surface water or groundwater to supplement a reclaimed water system. Finally, the bill specifies limitations of the act.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 113-1