Description: Installation of reclaimed water system in Magnolia Point.
Background: In 2022, Florida passed Senate Bill 64, which requires utilities to stop discharging treated wastewater into surface waters (like the St. Johns River) by 2032. This law aims to improve water quality by reducing nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) that can harm ecosystems. The project’s design and permitting has been funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s State Revolving Fund. When fully implemented, this conversion will save about 73.9 million gallons of Floridan Aquifer water each year.
Budget: $17,045,000
Current Progress: Design has been completed, and construction is on hold pending alternate projects and funding. In 2021 the city evaluated all options to comply with SB64. There are only three viable options – expand reclaimed water within our system, send reclaimed water to a neighboring utility that has additional capacity needs, or deep well injection. As of 2024 the only option is to expand reclaimed water in the city’s service territory. Discussions continue with neighboring utilities.
Timeline: The Magnolia Point Reclaimed Water Project is temporarily on hold and will resume at a later date. The City remains committed to its long-term plan to bring reclaimed water service to Magnolia Point and will keep residents informed as the project moves forward.
Fact Sheet