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Manatee County Extends Burn Ban

Seasonal Availability of Reclaimed Water in Manatee County

Published

Nov 7, 2025

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What Is Reclaimed Water?

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been cleaned and treated so it can be safely reused for irrigation and other non-drinking purposes. It helps conserve our drinking water supply and supports environmentally responsible water use. Learn more by visiting More Information About Reclaimed Water.

Investing in a Sustainable System

Manatee County has made significant investments to expand its reclaimed water system. The system includes:

  • Over 200 miles of pipelines

  • 1.3 billion gallons of storage capacity

  • 6 pumping stations that deliver reclaimed water to more than 10,000 customers

This system helps reduce the use of drinking water and groundwater for irrigation. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) 2021 Annual Report, Manatee County ranks among the top third of counties in Florida for reclaimed water system efficiency.

Availability and Limitations

The reclaimed water system is about one-tenth the size of the potable (drinking) water system, so not all residents have access to it. During dry months, demand can sometimes exceed supply, causing lower water pressure in some areas.

Because reclaimed water availability can vary, there is no monthly base fee for reclaimed water service. Customers only pay for the amount of water they actually use. Reclaimed water is distributed equally through the same network of pipes, so there is no priority or preferential access. Those located closer to a production facility may experience higher pressure, while areas farther away may experience lower pressure.

To help manage demand, customers can sometimes shift their irrigation schedules to different times of day to avoid competing with others. However, since reclaimed water supply depends on weather, system use, and available storage, shortages may occasionally occur. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation when this happens.

Our Ongoing Commitment

Manatee County continues to improve and expand its reclaimed water system to better serve the community. While occasional shortages may occur, using reclaimed water is a key part of our ongoing efforts to conserve drinking water, protect natural resources, and promote sustainability.