Agenda Item 7JCHAPTER 62-610
REUSE OF RECLAIMED WATER AND LAND APPLICATION
62-610.100 Scope, Intent, Purpose, and Applicability
62-610.200 Definitions
62-610.300 General Technical Guidance, Related Rules, and Forms
62-610.310 Engineering Report
62-610.320 Operation and Maintenance Requirements and Operating Protocols
62-610.330 Pretreatment Programs
62-610.400 Description of System
62-610.410 Waste Treatment and Disinfection
62-610.412 Monitoring of Reclaimed Water and Ground Water
62-610.414 Storage Requirements
62-610.417 Surface Runoff Control and Subsurface Drainage
62-610.418 Access Control and Advisory Signs
62-610.419 Application/Distribution Systems and Cross-Connection Control
62-610.421 Setback Distances
62-610.423 Hydraulic Loading Rates
62-610.425 Cattle Grazing
62-610.426 Edible Crops (Repealed)
62-610.450 Description of System
62-610.451 Minimum System Size
62-610.460 Waste Treatment and Disinfection
62-610.462 Reliability and Operator Staffing
62-610.463 Monitoring and Operating Protocol
62-610.464 Storage Requirements
62-610.466 Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
62-610.468 Access Control and Advisory Signs
62-610.469 Application/Distribution Systems and Cross-Connection Control
62-610.471 Setback Distances
62-610.472 Supplemental Water Supplies
62-610.473 Hydraulic Loading Rates
62-610.475 Edible Crops
62-610.476 Toilet Flushing and Fire Protection
62-610.478 Construction Dust Control (Repealed)
62-610.479 Aesthetic Purposes (Repealed)
62-610.480 Other Reuse Applications
62-610.490 Permitting Concept (Repealed)
62-610.491 Additional Operation and Maintenance Requirements
62-610.500 Description of System
62-610.510 Waste Treatment, Disinfection, and Monitoring
62-610.514 Storage Requirements
62-610.516 Emergency Discharge
62-610.517 Surface Runoff Control and Subsurface Drainage
62-610.518 Access Control and Advisory Signs
62-610.521 Setback Distances
62-610.523 Design and Operation Requirements
62-610.525 Projects Involving Additional Levels of Preapplication Treatment
62-610.550 Description of System
62-610.553 Minimum System Size
62-610.554 Discharge to Class I Surface Waters
62-610.555 Discharge to Other Surface Waters
62-610.556 Land Application
62-610.560 Ground Water Recharge by Injection
62-610.562 Salinity Barrier Systems
62-610.563 Waste Treatment and Disinfection
62-610.564 Pilot Testing Program
62-610.567 Reliability and Operator Staffing
62-610.568 Monitoring and Operating Protocol
62-610.571 Setback Distances
62-610.573 Storage Requirements
62-610.574 Access Control, Advisory Signs, and Public Notification
62-610.575 Hydraulic Loading Rates
62-610.600 Description of System
62-610.610 Waste Treatment and Disinfection
62-610.613 Monitoring of Effluent and Ground Water
62-610.614 Storage Requirements
62-610.617 Surface Runoff Control
62-610.618 Access Control and Advisory Signs
62-610.621 Setback Distances
62-610.625 Design and Operation Requirements
62-610.650 Description of System
62-610.652 Waste Treatment, Disinfection, and Monitoring
62-610.656 Storage Requirements
62-610.658 Access Control and Advisory Signs
62-610.660 Cross-Connection Control and Protection of the Reclaimed Water Supply
62-610.662 Setback Distances
62-610.668 Cooling Water Applications
62-610.669 Use of Reclaimed Water at Wastewater Treatment Plants
62-610.670 Industrial Discharge Limitations
62-610.800 Permitting Requirements
62-610.810 Classification of Projects as "Reuse" or "Disposal"
62-610.820 Reuse Feasibility Studies
62-610.830 Storage Lakes and Ponds
62-610.850 Protection of Surface Water and Ground Water Quality
62-610.860 Limited Wet Weather Discharge
62-610.865 Blending of Demineralization Concentrate with Reclaimed Water
62-610.870 Reporting and Enforcement
62-610.890 General Permit for Adding New Major Users to a Part III Reuse System
62-610.100 Scope, Intent, Purpose, and Applicability.
(1) Sections 403.064(1) and 373.250(1), F.S., establish the encouragement and promotion of water conservation and reuse of
reclaimed water as state objectives and state that water conservation and reuse are in the public interest.
(2) Section 403.021(2), F.S., as amended, establishes that no wastes are to be discharged to any waters of the state without first
being given the degree of treatment necessary to protect the beneficial uses of such water. Sections 403.085 and 403.086, F.S., set
forth requirements for the treatment and reuse or disposal of domestic wastewater. Section 403.051(2)(a), F.S., requires that any
Department planning, design, construction, modification or operating standards, criteria, and requirements for wastewater facilities
be developed as a rule. This chapter is promulgated to implement the requirements of Sections 403.051, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087,
403.088, F.S., concerning domestic wastewater facilities.
(3) It is the policy of the Department to encourage an applicant, before submittal of a permit application, to evaluate alternative
wastewater management techniques and to discuss alternatives with the Department.
(a) The Department encourages inclusion of public health, economic, scientific, energy, engineering and environmental
considerations in such evaluations. Each prospective domestic wastewater facility shall be assessed on an individual basis.
(b) The Department encourages environmentally acceptable alternatives which provide the most economic and energy efficient
methods of complying with the requirements of this rule, and promote the beneficial reuse of reclaimed waters and treated residuals.
(4) The Commission, recognizing the complexity of water quality management and the necessity to temper regulatory actions
with the realities of technological progress and social and economic well-being, nevertheless, intends to prohibit any discharge that
constitutes a hazard to human health.
(5) These rules shall be construed to assure that all waters of the state shall be free from components of wastewater discharges
which, alone or in combination with other substances, are acutely toxic; are present in concentrations which are carcinogenic,
mutagenic, or teratogenic to humans, animals, or aquatic species; or otherwise pose a serious threat to the public health, safety, and
welfare.
(6) This rule contains the specific reuse and land application requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and of Local Pollution Control Programs approved and established pursuant to Section 403.182, F.S., where such
authority has been delegated to those programs. It may be necessary for domestic wastewater facilities to conform with requirements
of other agencies, established via interagency agreements (e.g., for mosquito control). The absence of reference to such
arrangements in this rule does not eliminate the need to comply with those requirements.
(7) The purpose of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., is to provide design and operation and maintenance criteria for land application
systems that may discharge reclaimed waters or domestic wastewater effluent to Class G-II ground waters and to a limited extent to
Class G-I and F-I ground waters (as defined by Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.). This chapter also provides design and operation and
maintenance criteria for surface water discharge projects involving reuse for ground water recharge, indirect potable reuse, or other
beneficial purposes described in this chapter. The requirements in this rule shall apply to systems involving potential discharges to
Class G-I and F-I ground waters (as defined by Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.) to the extent that these rule provisions do not conflict with
requirements for G-I and F-I ground waters. Supported by moderating provisions, it is intended that Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.,
establish a framework whereby design flexibility and sound engineering practice can be used in developing systems with which to
manage domestic wastewater in an environmentally sound manner. This rule contains operation and maintenance requirements so as
much information as possible on reuse and land application can be presented in a single rule.
(8) Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be used in conjunction with Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. Systems shall be designed in accordance
with sound engineering practice. Minimum design waste treatment and disinfection standards are specified in Rules 62-600.420 and
62-600.440, F.A.C. Additional waste treatment standards, where appropriate, are addressed in this rule.
(9) Applicability.
(a) Requirements in this chapter shall apply only to domestic wastewater treatment facilities and reuse and land application
systems receiving reclaimed water or effluent from domestic wastewater treatment facilities.
(b) Unless specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, requirements in this chapter shall apply to all new reuse and lan d
application systems for which construction permit applications or initial permits which authorize construction are approved by the
Department after April 5, 1989. This chapter also shall apply to all existing facilities when such facilities are to be modified or
expanded, but this chapter shall apply only to the expansion or modification thereof, or if treatment processes are altered such that
the quality of reclaimed water or effluent or reliability of such processes is adversely affected. Re-rating of an existing reuse or land
application system or site such that the permitted capacity of the system or site is increased shall be considered an expansion, even if
there is no increase in physical size of the system or site.
(c) All reuse systems, to which construction permits were approved by the Department before April 5, 1989, involving irrigation
of public access areas, residential properties, and edible crops (systems subject to regulation under Part III of this rule), shall meet
the waste treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.460(1), F.A.C. The waste treatment and
disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.460(1), F.A.C., shall not apply to citrus irrigation systems if:
1. Public access shall be restricted;
2. The reclaimed water shall not directly contact the fruit;
3. The fruit that is produced shall be processed before human consumption; and
4. Secondary treatment and basic disinfection shall be provided.
(d) Septic tank drainfield systems and other on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems with subsurface disposal are
exempted from the requirements of this rule if
1. The system serves the complete wastewater needs of an establishment with a design capacity of 10,000 gallons per day or less
of domestic wastewater, or
2. The system serves the complete wastewater needs of a commercial establishment with a design capacity of 5,000 gallons per
day or less of commercial wastewater.
(e) Minimum setback distances required by subsections 62-610.421(5), 62-610.471(3), 62-610.521(7) and 62-610.621(4),
F.A.C., shall not apply to reuse or land application projects for which the Department received a complete construction permit
application before April 15, 1990.
(f) The requirements of Parts V and VII and Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., shall apply to projects for which complete permit
applications that request authorization for construction of domestic wastewater treatment facilities or reuse facilities were received
by the Department after August 8, 1999, unless specifically stated otherwise within this chapter.
(g) Requirements for setback distances to unlined storage ponds in subsection 62-610.521(10), F.A.C., shall apply to new
unlined storage ponds. These setback distances shall not apply to existing installations, as defined in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C.
(h) Subsections and Rules 62-610.421(10), 62-610.466, 62-610.471(9), 62-610.472, 62-610.652(5), 62-610.668(2) and 62-
610.865, F.A.C., shall apply to projects for which complete permit applications that request authorization for construction o f
domestic wastewater treatment facilities or reuse facilities were received by the Department on or after August 8, 1999. These rules
also shall apply to existing projects which are being expanded or modified; however, these rule requirements shall apply only to the
expanded or modified portion of the project.
(i) The annual reuse report required by subsection 62-610.870(3), F.A.C., shall apply to all (new and existing) domestic
wastewater facilities having capacities of 0.1 mgd or larger that reuse all or a portion of the reclaimed water produced.
(j) The Cryptosporidium and Giardia sampling required by subsections 62-610.463(4) 62-610.472(3)(d), 62-610.525(13), 62-
610.568(10), 62-610.568(11) and paragraph 62-610.652(6)(c), F.A.C., shall apply to all (new and existing) facilities that provide
reclaimed water for the types of reuse activities regulated by the part of this chapter that contains the rule requiring this sampling.
The Cryptosporidium and Giardia sampling required by paragraph 62-610.472(3)(d), F.A.C., shall apply to all (new and existing)
facilities that use surface water or treated stormwater as supplemental water supplies for a reuse system regulated under Part III of
this chapter.
(k) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
(l) Existing facilities (those that had construction permit applications or initial permit applications which authorized construction
approved by the Department on or before April 5, 1989) shall comply with the requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.,
on January 1, 2010. This applies only to facilities that make reclaimed water available for one or more activities regulated by Part III
of this chapter (such as irrigation of public access areas, residential properties, or edible crops; toilet flushing; fire protection;
construction dust control; aesthetic purposes; or other activities listed in Rule 62-610.480, F.A.C.). These existing projects
previously have been granted grandfathering protection under paragraphs 62-610.100(9)(b) and (c), F.A.C. All permit applications
submitted for these existing facilities between August 8, 1999 and December 31, 2009 shall describe construction and other actions
needed to bring these facilities into compliance with the Part III requirements by January 1, 2010. The following portions of Part III
will not apply to existing facilities on January 1, 2010:
1. Minimum system size in Rule 62-610.451, F.A.C.
2. The color coding requirements in paragraph 62-610.469(7)(f), F.A.C. This exclusion will apply to all existing reclaimed
water pipes.
3. Setback distance requirements in Rule 62-610.471, F.A.C. This exclusion will apply to all existing reclaimed water pipes and
existing areas receiving reclaimed water. Pipes constructed on or after January 1, 2010, and new or expanded areas to receive
reclaimed water shall comply with the setback distance requirements.
(10) Other Reuse and Land Application Systems. The Department shall approve preapplication treatment, disinfection,
reliability, storage, setback distance, monitoring, and other design and operational control measures for reuse and land application
systems not addressed in Parts II, III, IV, V, VI, or VII, including systems comprising components of slow-rate, rapid-rate, or
overland flow involving potential discharges to ground water or surface water, if the applicant provides reasonable assurances in the
engineering report that the design and operational controls proposed by the applicant will result in compliance with ground water
quality and surface water quality standards and that public health will be protected. To the extent practicable, design and operational
control measures should be established based on the most similar reuse or land application type described in Parts II, III, IV, V, VI,
or VII based on system design, application rates, land management practices, and potential for affecting ground water or surface
water quality and uses.
(11) The Department encourages efficient and effective use of reclaimed water featuring relatively high potable quality water
offset or recharge fractions.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.100, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.200 Definitions.
Terms used in this rule shall have the meaning specified below. The meaning of any term not defined below shall be taken from
definitions in other rules of the Department.
(1) “Absorption field” means a drainfield, including the application/distribution system, intended for the reuse of reclaimed
water.
(2) “Aquifer” means a geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation (stratum) that is capable of yielding
potentially usable quantities of water from wells or springs.
(3) “Aquitard” means a geological formation or stratum, or artificial barrier, of relatively low permeability which will not
transmit water fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply; confining zone.
(4) “Blend” means the combination of concentrate and reclaimed water.
(5) “Blend ratio” means the ratio of the flow of reclaimed water to the flow of concentrate in a blending operation, as described
in Rule 62-610.865, F.A.C.
(6) “Carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD5)” means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the carbonaceous
biochemical oxidation of organic matter present in a water or wastewater, reported as a five-day value determined using approved
methods.
(7) “Commission” means the Environmental Regulation Commission.
(8) “Demineralization concentrate” means the concentrated byproduct water, brine, or reject water produced by ion exchange or
membrane separation technologies (such as reverse osmosis, membrane softening, ultra-filtration, membrane filtration,
electrodialysis, and electrodialysis reversal) used for desalinization, softening, or reducing total dissolved solids during water
treatment for public water supply purposes. Within this chapter, demineralization concentrate will also be referred to as
“concentrate.”
(9) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.
(10) “Developed areas” means areas in or adjacent to residential, commercial, or residentially or commercially-zoned areas.
(11) “Direct contact irrigation” and “direct application” mean an irrigation method, such as spray irrigation, resulting in
reclaimed water directly contacting the edible crop.
(12) “Disinfection” means the selective destruction of pathogens in reclaimed water, wastewater effluents, and residuals.
(13) “Disposal” means the discharge of effluent to injection wells, effluent outfalls, subsurface drain systems, and other
facilities utilized strictly for the release of effluents into the environment.
(14) “District” means a water management district created pursuant to Chapter 373, F.S.
(15) “Domestic wastewater” means wastewater derived principally from dwellings, business buildings, institutions, and the like;
sanitary wastewater; sewage. Where wastewater from sources other than typical domestic sources (e.g., industrial sources) is
combined and treated with wastes from domestic sources, the determination of whether or not the wastewater treatment plant is
designated as “domestic” shall be made by the Department considering any or all of the following: residuals classification; whether
wastewaters have been pretreated or contain constituents within 50-150%, by concentration, of typical domestic wastewater; and
whether the permittee, when not required to provide more stringent or otherwise specific levels of treatment, can provide assurance
of facility compliance with domestic wastewater treatment standards contained in Chapter 62-600, F.A.C.
(16) “Dwelling unit” means a residence for the housing of a single family whether such a residence is a detached structure or a
unit of a multiple family building.
(17) “Edible crops” means crops that are intended for human consumption.
(18) “Effluent”, unless specifically stated otherwise, means water that is not reused after flowing out of any plant or other works
used for the purpose of treating, stabilizing, or holding wastes.
(19) “Effluent limitation” means any restriction established by the Department on quantities, rates, or concentrations of
chemical, physical, biological, or other constituents which are discharged from sources into the environment of the state.
(20) “Establishment” means a housing, commercial, or institutional development, including, but not limited to, a place of
business, assembly, or residence, whether multiple or single family. An establishment will include all buildings, structures, mobile
homes, and appurtenant lands.
(21) “Estuary” means a semi-enclosed naturally existing coastal body of water which has a free connection with the open sea
and within which the chloride concentration at the surface is equal to or greater than 1,500 milligrams per liter.
(22) “Fecal coliforms” means members of the coliform group capable of producing gas from lactose at 44.5 degree C, as
determined using approved methods.
(23) “Ground water” means water below the land surface in the zone of saturation where water is at or above atmospheric
pressure.
(24) “Holding pond” means a storage tank or artificial impoundment or pond constructed above, on, below, or partly below the
ground surface that is designed and maintained to store a specific volume of fluid and minimize fluid losses other than those
primarily occurring by evaporation; generally, holding ponds are not intended to provide a mechanism for pollutant reduction. When
used in conjunction with rapid-rate land application systems or other systems described in this rule, holding ponds can also provide a
mechanism to accomplish nitrogen reduction.
(25) “Hydrogeology” means the branch of hydrology that deals with ground water, its occurrence and movements, its
replenishment and depletion, the properties of rocks that control ground water movement and storage, and the methods of
investigation and use of ground water.
(26) “Indirect application irrigation” and “indirect contact irrigation” mean irrigation methods, such as ridge and furrow
irrigation, drip irrigation, and subsurface distribution systems, which minimize direct contact of reclaimed water with the edible
crop.
(27) “Indirect potable reuse” means, for purposes of this chapter, the planned discharge of reclaimed water to surface waters to
augment the supply of water available for drinking water and other uses. Indirect potable reuse is contrasted with “direct potabl e
reuse” which involves the discharge of reclaimed water directly into a drinking water treatment facility or into a drinking water
distribution system.
(28) “Industrial facilities” means those facilities that produce, treat or dispose of wastewater not otherwise defined as domestic
wastewater, including the runoff and leachate from areas that receive pollutants associated with industrial or commercial storage,
handling or processing.
(29) “Land application” means the reuse of reclaimed water or the disposal of effluent on, above, or into the surface of the
ground through spray irrigation, other irrigation techniques, rapid-rate systems, absorption fields, overland flow systems, or other
methods.
(30) “Local program” means any county, municipality, or combination thereof that has established and administers a pollution
control program approved by the Department in compliance with Section 403.182, F.S., as amended.
(31) “Milligrams per liter (mg/L)” means the quantity of material present in water or wastewater expressed on the basis of th e
weight (milligrams) per unit volume of solution (liter).
(32) “Modification” means any alteration, expansion, upgrade, extension, addition, or replacement of an existing wastewater or
reuse facility for which a permit is required from the Department after the effective date of this rule.
(33) “Monitoring well” means a strategically located well from which ground water levels are measured and samples are
withdrawn for water quality analysis.
(34) “Nitrate (NO3)” means the nitrogen content present in water or wastewater attributable to the nitrate (NO3-) ion and
expressed as elemental nitrogen, N, as determined using approved methods.
(35) “Nonpotable water supply well” means a well used as a source of water for irrigation, cooling, or other uses. Wells used as
a source of water for drinking, culinary, or domestic purposes are excluded from the definition of nonpotable water supply wells.
(36) “Operator” means any person who is principally engaged in and is in charge on-site of the actual treatment plant operation
and includes the person who is in charge of treatment plant operation for a shift or period of operation during any part of the day, as
certified in accordance with Chapter 61E12-41, F.A.C.
(37) “Percolation” means the generally vertical movement of water through soil or other unconsolidated medium to the water
table and to lower aquifers where occurring.
(38) “Percolation pond” means an artificial impoundment similar to a holding pond for which the design and operation provides
for fluid losses through percolation/seepage in addition to evaporative losses.
(39) “Permittee” means the person or entity to which a permit for a wastewater facility is issued by the Department. The term
“permittee” shall be functionally synonymous with the terms “owner” and “licensee”, but shall not include licensed individuals (e.g.,
operators) unless they are the person(s) to whom a facility permit is issued by the Department. The term shall extend to a permit
“applicant” for purposes of this rule. To the extent that this rule imposes duties with respect to the construction, operation,
maintenance or monitoring of a facility and for reporting to or securing permits from the Department, ultimate responsibility lies
with the owner of the facility. Nevertheless, Chapter 403, F.S., creates joint and several liability for those responsible for violations.
(40) “pH” means the negative common logarithm of the hydrogen-ion activity in moles per liter, as determined using approved
methods.
(41) “Pollution” means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere or waters of the state of any substances, contaminants, noise, or
man-made or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, or radiological integrity of air or water in quantities or
levels which are or may be potentially harmful or injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, including
outdoor recreation.
(42) “Potable quality water offset” means the amount of potable quality water (Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground water or water
meeting drinking water standards) saved through the use of reclaimed water expressed as a percentage of the total reclaimed water
used. The potable quality water offset is calculated by dividing the amount of potable water saved by the amount of reclaimed water
used and multiplying the quotient by 100.
(43) “Potable water supply well” means a well used as a source of water for drinking, culinary, or domestic purposes.
(44) “Preapplication waste treatment” means that level of treatment provided prior to application of reclaimed water or
wastewater to a land application system.
(45) “Public access area” means an area that is intended to be accessible to the general public; such as golf courses, cemeteries,
parks, landscape areas, hotels, motels, and highway medians. Public access areas include private property that is not open to the
public at large, but is intended for frequent use by many persons. Public access areas also include residential dwellings. Presence of
authorized farm personnel or other authorized treatment plant, utilities system, or reuse system personnel does not constitute public
access. Irrigation of exercise areas and other landscape areas accessible to prisoners at penal institutions shall be considered as
irrigation of public access areas.
(46) “Public water supply well” means a well constructed for the purpose of supplying water to a public water system, a s
defined in Rule 62-550.200, F.A.C., or in Chapter 64E-8, F.A.C.
(47) “Recharge fraction” means the portion of reclaimed water used in a reuse system that recharges an underlying potable
quality ground water (Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground water) that is used for potable supply, or augments a Class I surface water,
expressed as a percentage of the total reclaimed water used.
(48) “Reclaimed water”, except as specifically provided in Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., means water that has received at least
secondary treatment and basic disinfection and is reused after flowing out of a domestic wastewater treatment facility.
(49) “Reclaimed water distribution system” means a network of pipes, pumping facilities, storage facilities, and appurtenance s
designed to convey and distribute reclaimed water from one or more domestic wastewater treatment facilities to one or more users of
reclaimed water.
(50) “Reclaimed water pipe” means a pipe used to carry reclaimed water.
(51) “Restricted access” means that access to the reuse site by the general public is controlled and that access to the reuse site by
the public is infrequent. Such sites will be accessible to authorized operators and farm personnel.
(52) “Reuse” means the deliberate application of reclaimed water, in compliance with Department and District rules, for a
beneficial purpose. Criteria used to classify projects as “reuse” or “effluent disposal” are contained in Rule 62-610.810, F.A.C.
(53) “Reuse authority” means a utility, municipality, cooperative, authority, or other entity which obtains reclaimed water from
two or more utilities, municipalities, or other entities and develops and operates a reclaimed water distribution system for the
distribution of reclaimed water to one or more users of reclaimed water.
(54) “Secondary treatment” means wastewater treatment to a level that will achieve the effluent limitations specified in
paragraph 62-600.420(1)(a), F.A.C.
(55) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Department.
(56) “Septic tank” means a watertight receptacle constructed to promote separation of solid and liquid components of
wastewater, to provide limited digestion of organic matter, to store solids, and to allow clarified liquid to discharge for further
treatment and disposal in a soil absorption system.
(57) “Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR)” means the concentration of sodium (Na) divided by the square root of the quantity equal
to one half of the sum of the concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), where all concentrations are expressed in
milliequivalents per liter.
(58) “Stream dilution ratio” means the flow rate in the receiving surface water at a point immediately upstream of the discharge
divided by the flow rate of the discharge from a limited wet weather discharge.
(59) “Subsurface application system” means a network of small diameter, porous or perforated pipes installed horizontally at
depths generally less than 12 inches for the purpose of releasing reclaimed water at or near the root zone of the vegetated cover. The
release of reclaimed water shall be below the ground surface. This type of application system shall be permitted under Part II, Part
III, or Part IV of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., depending on the loading rates used, degree of public access, characteristics of the site,
system design, and mode of operation.
(60) “Subsurface drain” means an underground conduit system (which may include one or more vertical water wells) made of
various construction materials (e.g., tile) installed to collect unconfined ground water and applied reclaimed water or effluents, and
provide conveyance to the treatment plant or discharge point; underdrain.
(61) “Surface water” means water upon the surface of the earth, whether contained in bounds created naturally or artificially or
diffused. Water from natural springs shall be classified as surface water when it exits from the spring onto the eart’s surface.
(62) “Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)” means the sum of free ammonia and organic nitrogen compounds in water or wastewater
and expressed as elemental nitrogen, N, as determined using approved methods.
(63) “Total suspended solids (TSS)” means solids that either float on the surface of, or are suspended in, water or wastewater;
the quantity of material removed from a sample in a laboratory test referred to as nonfilterable residue, as determined using
approved methods.
(64) “Treatment” means any method, technique, or process which changes the physical, chemical, or biological character or
composition of wastewater and thereby reduces its potential for polluting waters of the state.
(65) “Treatment plant” means any plant or other works used for the purpose of treating, stabilizing, or holding wastes.
(66) “Turbidity” means a condition in water or wastewater caused by the presence of suspended matter, resulting in the
scattering and absorption of light rays, as determined using approved methods.
(67) “Type I facility” means a wastewater facility having a design average daily flow of 500,000 gallons per day or greater.
(68) “Type II facility” means a wastewater facility having a design average daily flow of 100,000 up to but not including
500,000 gallons per day.
(69) “Type III facility” means a wastewater facility having a design average daily flow of over 2,000 up to but not including
100,000 gallons per day.
(70) “Underground injection” means effluent disposal by well injection into underground geologic formations.
(71) “Unrestricted access” means that access to the reuse site by the general public is uncontrolled or that the site is frequently
used by humans. An area having unrestricted access is a “public access area” as defined in subsection 62-610.200(45), F.A.C.
(72) “User of reclaimed water” means an individual, corporation, entity, business, or other establishment that receives reclaimed
water from a reclaimed water distribution system.
(73) “Wastes” means sewage, industrial wastes, and all other liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substances which may
pollute or tend to pollute any waters of the State.
(74) “Wastewater” means the combination of liquid and water-carried pollutants from residences, commercial buildings,
industrial plants, and institutions together with any ground water, surface runoff or leachate that may be present.
(75) “Wastewater facilities” means any or all of the following: the collection/transmission system, the treatment plant, and the
reuse or disposal system.
(76) “Waters” shall be as defined in Section 403.031(13), F.S.
(77) “Water quality-based effluent limitation (WQBEL)” means an effluent limitation, which may be more stringent than a
technology-based effluent limitation, that has been determined necessary by the Department to ensure that water quality standards in
a receiving body of water will not be violated.
(78) “Water quality standards” means standards comprised of designated most beneficial uses (classification of waters), the
numerical and narrative criteria applied to the specific water use or classification, the Florida anti-degradation policy, and the
moderating provisions contained in Chapters 62-302 and 62-4, F.A.C.
(79) “Water table” means the upper surface of the zone of saturation where ground water pressures are equal to atmospheric
pressure, except where that surface is formed by an impermeable stratum.
(80) “Wellhead protection area” means an area designated by the Department in Chapter 62-521, F.A.C., consisting of a 500-
foot radial setback distance around a potable water well, as defined in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., where ground water is provided the
most stringent protection measures to protect the ground water source for a potable water well and includes the surface and
subsurface area surrounding the well.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085,
403.086, 403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.200, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.300 General Technical Guidance, Related Rules, and Forms.
(1) The following publications are referenced as technical guidance to assist utilities and engineers in planning, design,
construction, and implementation of reuse and land application projects. Specific publications or portions of publications which
contain enforceable criteria are specifically referenced elsewhere in this chapter. Information in the publications listed below does
not supersede the specific requirements in this chapter.
(a) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1981. Land Treatment of Municipal Wastewater-Process Design Manual. EPA
Center for Environmental Research Information, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
(b) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1977. Wastewater Treatment Facilities for Sewered Small Municipalities-Process
Design Manual. EPA Center for Environmental Research Information, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
(c) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1974. Design Criteria for Mechanical, Electric, and Fluid System and Component
Reliability-MCD-05. Environmental Quality Instructional Resources Center, The Ohio State University, 200 Chambers Road, Room
310, Columbus, Ohio 43212.
(d) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1977. Procedures Manual for Groundwater Monitoring at Solid Waste Disposal
Facilities. National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
(e) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980. Design Manual-Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. EPA
Center for Environmental Research Information, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
(f) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1973. Drainage of Agricultural Land. Water Information Center,
Inc., 125 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, New York 11803.
(g) Florida Department of Transportation, 1985. Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System. Procedure No. 550-
010-001-A. Florida Department of Transportation, Maps and Publications Sales, Mail Station 12, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee,
Florida 32399-0450.
(h) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1984. Land Treatment of Municipal Wastewater – Supplement on Rapid Infiltration
and Overland Flow – Process Design Manual. EPA Center for Environmental Research Information, 26 West Martin Luther King
Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
(i) Water Pollution Control Federation, 1989. Manual of Practice SM-3. Water Reuse. W.P.C.F., 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria,
Virginia 22314-1994.
(j) Water Environment Federation and American Water Works Association, 1998. Using Reclaimed Water to Augment Potable
Water Resources. W.E.F., 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1994, or A.W.W.A., 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver,
Colorado 80235.
(k) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Agency for International Development. 1992. Guidelines for Water
Reuse. Report EPA/625/R-92/004. EPA Center for Environmental Research Information, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
(l) Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, 1991. Guidelines for Preparation of Reuse Feasibility Studies for
Applicants Having Responsibility for Wastewater Management. Information Center, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida
32399-2400.
(m) National Research Council, 1998. Issues in Potable Reuse: The Viability of Augmenting Drinking Water Supplies With
Reclaimed Water. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20418.
(n) Reuse Coordinating Committee and Water Conservation Initiative Water Reuse Workgroup, 2003. Water Reuse for Florida:
Strategies for Effective Use of Reclaimed Water. Department of Environmental Protection, Domestic Wastewater Section, MS 3540,
Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 (www.dep.state.fl.us/water/reuse/).
(2) Members of the public may request and obtain copies of the publications listed in subsection 62-610.300(1), F.A.C., by
contacting the appropriate publisher at the address indicated. Copies of the above publications are on file with the Florida Secretary
of State and the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee. Copies are also on file and available for review in the Department’s
Tallahassee offices and in the Department’s district and branch offices where they may be reviewed during normal business hours.
(3) Related rules. The following Department rules may be applicable to reuse and land application projects, depending on the
nature and scope of the project. This listing is provided solely for the purpose of noting other Department rules which the applicant
may need to consult and comply with during the planning, design, construction, and operation of reuse or land application projects.
This listing is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of every rule which may be applicable.
(a) Antidegradation policy requirements are contained in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(b) Cross-connection control program requirements are contained in Chapter 62-555, F.A.C.
(c) Disinfection criteria are contained in Rule 62-600.440, F.A.C., which lists the design and performance standards for high-
level, intermediate, basic, and low-level disinfection.
(d) Domestic wastewater facility requirements are contained in Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., contains
design, operation, and compliance requirements for all domestic wastewater facilities. Treatment levels, disinfection requirements,
and pH requirements also are contained.
(e) Drinking water standards are contained in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C.
(f) Fees related to permitting are listed in Chapter 62-4, F.A.C.
(g) Ground water quality standards are contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.
(h) Industrial pretreatment requirements (within Department rules these are referred to as “pretreatment requirements”) are
contained in Chapter 62-625, F.A.C.
(i) Monitoring requirements are contained in Chapter 62-601, F.A.C. Requirements for ground water monitoring plans are
contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.
(j) Operator certification requirements are contained in Chapter 61E12-41, F.A.C.
(k) Operator staffing requirements are contained in Chapter 62-699, F.A.C.
(l) Permitting requirements are contained in Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
(m) pH requirements are contained in Rule 62-600.445, F.A.C.
(n) Pretreatment requirements (sometimes referred to as “industrial pretreatment requirements”) are contained in Chapter 62-
625, F.A.C.
(o) Residuals (formerly referred to as “sludge”) management requirements are contained in Chapter 62-640, F.A.C.
(p) Secondary treatment is defined in Rule 62-600.420, F.A.C.
(q) Surface water discharge requirements are contained in Chapter 62-650, F.A.C.
(r) Surface water quality standards are contained in Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.
(s) Underground injection control requirements are contained in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C. Additional information related to
domestic wastewater facilities is contained in Chapter 62-600, F.A.C.
(t) Wellhead protection requirements are contained in Chapter 62-521, F.A.C.
(u) Wetlands discharge requirements are contained in Chapter 62-611, F.A.C.
(4) Forms.
(a) The forms and instructions used by the Department are listed below. The rule numbers are the form numbers. The forms are
incorporated by reference in this rule. Copies of these forms and instructions may be obtained by writing to the Bureau of Water
Facilities Regulation, Mail Station 3535, Department of Environmental Protection, Twin Towers Office Building, 2600 Blair Sto ne
Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400. In addition, these forms are available at the Department’s District Offices. Forms are also
available on the web page for the Department’s Division of Water Resource Management at www.dep.state.fl.us/water.
1. Notice of Intent to Use General Permit for Addition of a Major User of Reclaimed Water, DEP Form 62-610.300(4)(a)1,
January 1, 1996.
2. Annual Reuse Report, DEP Form 62-610.300(4)(a)2., effective March 9, 2006.
3. Application for Permission to Place a Public Access Reuse System in Operation, DEP Form 62-610.300(4)(a)3, effective
January 1, 1996.
4. Pathogen Monitoring, DEP Form 62-610.300(4)(a)4., effective March 9, 2006.
(b) Additional forms used for domestic wastewater and reuse facilities are included in Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
(c) Rule 62-601.300(4), F.A.C., requires domestic wastewater treatment facilities with a permitted capacity of 100,000 gpd or
greater that discharge to ground waters via reuse and land application systems to monitor reclaimed water or effluent for the primary
and secondary drinking water standards contained in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C. Except for asbestos, color, and corrosivity, all
parameters listed as primary and secondary drinking water standards in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C., shall be monitored and reported on
the DMR with submittal to the Department by June 28. Approved analytical methods identified in Rule 62-620.100(3)(j) shall be
used for analysis. If no method is included for a parameter, methods specified in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C., shall be used.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064 FS. Law Implemented 403.051, 403.061(7), (13), 403.064, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.300, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 3-9-06, 11-19-07.
62-610.310 Engineering Report.
(1) In accordance with the requirements and provisions of Chapters 62-600 and 62-620, F.A.C., an engineering report shall be
submitted in support of permit applications for new or expanded reuse or land application projects. The engineering report will serve
as the preliminary design report for reuse and land application projects. The requirement for an engineering report for modifications
of existing systems and for those existing facilities which have had past violations of permit conditions or water quality standards
shall be a case-by-case determination by the Department based on the frequency and severity of past violations, the potential for
adverse effects on reclaimed water quality and on surface and ground water quality, and the scope of proposed modifications.
(2) Abbreviated Report.
(a) The Department shall accept an abbreviated engineering report if any of the following conditions exist:
1. The project involves only expansion of existing sites.
2. The treatment facilities and the reuse or disposal facilities are all Type III facilities.
3. The reuse system involves only slow-rate land application systems in public access areas.
4. The project involves slow-rate land application and meets both of the following conditions:
a. The average annual hydraulic loading rate shall not exceed 0.5 inches per week, and
b. No percolation to ground water is used in the water balance calculations included in the abbreviated engineering report.
(b) Information contained in the application together with the best available information referenced in paragraphs 62-
610.310(3)(a), subparagraphs 62-610.310(3)(b)3., 62-610.310(3)(c)6., paragraphs 62-610.310(3)(d), 62-610.310(3)(e), 62-
610.310(3)(f), and 62-610.310(3)(g), F.A.C., shall suffice for the abbreviated engineering report. For rapid-rate projects, the
engineering report or abbreviated engineering report shall include the ground water mounding analysis required by subparagraph 62-
610.310(3)(c)8., F.A.C.
(3) The engineering report shall include the following:
(a) Land Use Requirements.
1. The exact boundaries of the reuse or land application project, with setback distances shown, shall be located on the most
recent USGS topographic maps (7.5 minutes series, where available). These maps, or similar scale maps, shall show present land
uses and anticipated land uses for the next 10 years within one mile of the site boundaries, based on approved Local Government
Comprehensive Land Use Plans where available. The Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (paragraph 62-
610.300(1)(g), F.A.C.), shall be utilized in designating the character of the surrounding area.
2. All potable and nonpotable water supply wells and monitoring wells within a 0.5 mile radius of the land application site shall
be located on the maps and identified as to use (e.g., potable) and ownership (e.g., private).
3. If expansion of the proposed facility is anticipated, the area likely to be used in the expansion shall be shown on the maps.
The information required by subparagraphs 62-610.310(3)(a)1. and 62-610.310(3)(a)2., F.A.C., shall be provided for the proposed
expansions.
4. Surface waters classified pursuant to Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., within one mile of the project area, shall be located on the maps
and shall be described, with respect to their classification, uses, and approximate distance from the site.
(b) Soils Information.
1. A soils map of the reuse or land application site shall be provided. The soils shall be named and described in accordance with
the standard criteria (e.g. soil surveys) of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) unless advised by the soil scientist of the SCS that
soils present are not appropriate for such characterization.
2. Physical characteristics of each significant soil, subsoil, or substratum layer to a depth of 10 feet below the average water
table, or to a 20-foot depth (as measured below the lowest point on the site) if no water table is encountered, shall be provided.
Representative soil profiles of the site shall be provided and characteristics such as texture, hydraulic conductivity, available water
capacity, organic matter content, pH, sodium adsorption ratio, and cation exchange capacity should also be investigated; appropriate
chemical characteristics shall be determined for soil profile horizons active in the chemical and biological renovation of reclaimed
water or effluent. Specific sites used for determining hydraulic conductivity shall be shown on the soils map, and data shall be
submitted to substantiate that the proposed site is hydrologically capable of accommodating the design loading and application rate.
3. For projects described in subsection 62-610.310(2), F.A.C., the Department shall accept an abbreviated report from the
permittee addressing the soil characteristics at the proposed site, based upon the best available information in lieu of the more
detailed soils information requirements described in paragraph 62-610.310(3)(b), F.A.C.
(c) Hydrogeologic Survey.
1. Hydrogeologic data necessary to evaluate the capability of the proposed project to perform successfully at the site on a long-
term basis shall be provided. A proposed ground water monitoring plan, if applicable, meeting the requirements of Chapters 62-522
and 62-601, F.A.C., shall be provided. This information shall include, but not be limited to, geophysical information concerning
known “solution openings” and sinkhole features within one mile of the site; the identification (with applicable geologic sections),
extent or continuity, and hydrologic characterization of aquifers and confining zones underlying the site (i.e., horizontal and vertical
hydraulic conductivities, porosity, thickness); head relationships between aquifer systems; and information on the annual range of
ground water elevations at the proposed site.
2. The direction and rate of existing ground water movement (and the points of discharge) shall be shown on maps of the area.
Similar information regarding conditions anticipated as a result of the project shall be provided.
3. Information on potable and nonpotable water supply wells (and monitoring wells, as appropriate) identified in subparagraph
62-610.310(3)(a)2., F.A.C., including the depth, length of casing, cone of depression and geophysical surveys of the wells (if
available) shall be provided.
4. The proposed ground water monitoring system shall also be described and displayed. Background water quality data shall be
provided.
5. Flood prone areas on the proposed site and within 0.5 mile of the site shall be located on a map. Discussion of flooding
frequencies and magnitude shall be included.
6. For projects described in subsection 62-610.310(2), F.A.C., the Department shall accept an abbreviated report from the
permittee covering the hydrogeologic characteristics at the proposed site, based upon the best available information, in lieu of the
more detailed hydrogeologic information requirements described in paragraph 62-610.310(3)(c), F.A.C.
7. For overland flow projects involving alternative secondary preapplication treatment levels, determinations of the required
number of core samples, representative hydraulic conductivity values, and aquitard extent or continuity shall be included in the
engineering report.
8. For rapid-rate and absorption field projects, a ground water mounding analysis based on site-specific information shall be
included. This analysis shall demonstrate acceptable long-term hydraulic performance of the system.
9. For aquifer storage and recovery projects regulated under Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C., and ground water recharge projects
involving injection to G-II ground water, the engineering report shall characterize the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in
ground water contained in the aquifer at the point of injection. See subsection 62-610.800(11), F.A.C. For aquifer storage and
recovery projects, this shall include characterization of TDS concentrations within the proposed extended zone of discharge, as
described in subsection 62-610.466(14), F.A.C. For injection projects having a zone of discharge, as described in subsection 62-
610.560(3) and Rule 62-610.562, F.A.C., the engineering report shall include characterization of TDS concentrations at the point of
injection and within the zone of discharge. The methods used to make the TDS characterization shall be described.
(d) Land Management System.
1. The present and intended soil-vegetation management program shall be discussed and the vegetative covers identified.
Reclaimed water or effluents to be applied shall be characterized in terms of their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Data
and other documentation to verify the uptake of nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), moisture and salt tolerances, pollutant
toxicity levels, yield of crops and similar information shall be provided. For projects permitted under Parts II, III, IV, V, and VI of
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., detailed water and nutrient budgets (balances) for the projects shall be included in the engineering report.
2. The harvesting frequencies and the ultimate use of the crops shall be indicated. Lengths of operating seasons, application
periods and rates, and resting or drying periods shall also be described.
3. The best available information (and technical assistance) from organizations or individuals qualified in agricultural/
agronomic aspects of reuse and land application shall be used in the preparation of the above report information.
4. Plans for storage, reuse, or disposal of reclaimed water or effluents during crop removal, wet weather, control of pests,
equipment failures, or other problems precluding land application shall be described.
5. For overland flow projects involving alternative secondary preapplication treatment levels, operational control aspects of the
land management system discussed in Part VI of this chapter also shall be documented.
(e) Project Evaluation.
1. An evaluation of the overall long-term effect of the proposed project on environmental resources in the area shall be
provided. The evaluation shall include aspects such as changes in water table elevations due to natural fluctuations and the reuse or
land application project (including ground water mounding that may occur under the site), prediction of the rate and direction of
movement of applied reclaimed water or effluent, changes in water quality in the area associated with the project, and similar
information.
2. For projects that will have a limited wet weather discharge, the data required by Rule 62-610.860, F.A.C., shall be included.
3. Justification and documentation for using setback distances, selection of hydraulic loading rates, loading and resting cycles,
determining that the reclaimed water or effluents will not violate the standards set by Chapters 62-600 and 62-610, F.A.C., and use
of any design criteria for which flexibility is provided in this rule also shall be provided.
4. For projects regulated by Parts III or V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., or by Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., an evaluation of the
pretreatment program required by Rule 62-610.330, F.A.C., shall be provided.
5. An evaluation of the proposed project with respect to public health, safety, and welfare shall be provided.
6. Forecasts of flows and reclaimed water characteristics for the current and design year, including:
a. Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and concentrations.
b. Reclaimed water flow patterns – monthly average, daily average, daily maximum, and seasonal peak one-hour flow during
current and design years.
7. Site plan showing operations and unit processes.
8. Technical information and design criteria for reuse/land application system:
a. Hydraulic, organic, and nutrient loadings – minimum, average, and maximum quantities.
b. Flow metering (at the wastewater treatment facility).
c. Monitoring points.
d. Concentrations of reclaimed water or effluent percolated to ground water or being discharged to surface waters, with
supporting data including design calculations.
9. Operation and control strategies.
10. For projects regulated by Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., a description of public notification activities required by
subsections 62-610.468(2) and (6), F.A.C., shall be provided.
(f) The requirements of each section within the appropriate part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be addressed in the engineering
report or abbreviated engineering report. (For example, a project to be permitted as a rapid-rate land application system shall have
the requirements of all sections in Part IV of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., addressed in the engineering report.)
(g) The engineering report or abbreviated engineering report shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer registered in
Florida.
(h) Engineering report requirements specific to projects permitted under Parts V and VII of this chapter are contained in
subsections 62-610.310(4) and (5), F.A.C., respectively.
(i) Engineering report requirements specific to aquifer storage and recovery projects are contained in Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C.
Requirements for notification of public water supply authorities are described in subsection 62-610.466(16), F.A.C.
(j) Engineering report requirements specific to blending of concentrate with reclaimed water are contained in Rule 62-610.865,
F.A.C.
(4) The engineering report for projects involving ground water recharge and indirect potable reuse regulated under Part V of this
chapter shall address the following:
(a) The full engineering report requirements of Rule 62-610.310, F.A.C., shall apply.
(b) In addition, the engineering report shall address the following:
1. The nature of the use of reclaimed water shall be described.
2. For surface water discharges, all potable water intakes shall be identified and located. The withdrawal rates shall be noted.
Time of travel from the discharge to the arrival at the potable water intakes shall be presented.
3. For direct or indirect ground water discharges, the time of travel to the nearest public water supply well (based on shortest
travel time) shall be presented.
4. The minimum treatment and disinfection requirements imposed by Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., for the proposed uses
shall be presented.
5. A ground water mounding analysis for discharges to ground water shall be presented.
6. Assessment of effects on ground water levels, surface water levels, ground water quality, surface water quality, and uses of
property in the area shall be presented.
7. Documentation of written notice to public water supply utilities and the appropriate county health department, if required by
subsection 62-610.574(4), F.A.C.
8. Documentation of public education and public participation activities, as required by subsection 62-610.574(3), F.A.C.
(5) The engineering report for projects involving industrial uses of reclaimed water permitted under Part VII of this chapter shall
address the following:
(a) Industries which use reclaimed water shall be identified and located on a map.
(b) The nature of the use of reclaimed water shall be described.
(c) The minimum treatment and disinfection requirements imposed by Part VII of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., for the industrial
uses shall be presented.
(d) Any additional treatment and disinfection requirements beyond the minimum requirements imposed by Part VII which have
been agreed to by the domestic wastewater permittee and the industry shall be described.
(e) The location of treatment and disinfection facilities shall be described and shown on a map.
(f) The disposition of any industrial wastewaters originating from the use of reclaimed water shall be described in detail. This
shall include discussion of the applicability of the Department’s industrial wastewater rules.
(g) Each requirement in each section of Part VII in Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be discussed.
(h) Unless noted otherwise in this rule, the full requirements of Rule 62-610.310, F.A.C., shall not be applied. The best available
information shall be presented to meet the requirements of paragraphs 62-610.310(3)(a), 62-610.310(3)(e) and 62-610.310(3)(g),
F.A.C.
(i) If the uses of reclaimed water will involve irrigation on the industrial site or if a ground water discharge will result, the best
available information shall be presented to meet the requirements of paragraphs 62-610.310(3)(b), 62-610.310(3)(c) and 62-
610.310(3)(d), F.A.C.
(j) If the industrial uses will be accomplished as part of a reclaimed water system permitted under Part III of Chapter 62-610,
F.A.C., an abbreviated engineering report meeting the requirements of Rule 62-610.310, F.A.C., shall be prepared for the overall
Part III project.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087,
403.0877, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.310, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.320 Operation and Maintenance Requirements and Operating Protocols.
(1) Land application systems shall be operated and maintained to achieve applicable waste treatment requirements, before final
release of reclaimed water or effluent to the environment, as required in Rule 62-600.530, F.A.C.
(a) Where all land used as part of the treatment/reuse/disposal system is under the direct control of the permittee for the useful
life of the facilities, an operator shall perform the duties for which he is certified under Chapter 61E12-41, F.A.C. The permittee
shall maintain control over, and be responsible for, all activities inherent to all reuse and land application systems (e.g., crop
removal) to ensure that the entire reuse or waste treatment system operates as approved by the Department.
(b) Where the wastewater treatment plant permittee reuses reclaimed water or disposes of effluent using property owned by
another party, a binding agreement between the involved parties is required to ensure that construction, operation, maintenance, and
monitoring meet the requirements of Chapters 62-600, 62-620 and 62-610, F.A.C. Such binding agreements are required for all
reuse or disposal sites not owned by the permittee. The permittee shall retain primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with all
requirements of the Florida Administrative Code.
(2) Reuse and land application systems designed to use crops for the uptake of nutrients from applied reclaimed waters or
effluents shall provide for removal of the crop at appropriate intervals, as described in the engineering report and as approved by the
Department.
(3) Ground water sampling parameters, schedules, and reporting requirements (where necessary) shall be established pursuant to
the provisions of Chapter 62-601, F.A.C. For each report on ground water quality the permittee shall verify to the Department (based
on ground water elevations) the direction(s) of ground water movement from the land application site. In accordance with Rule 62-
522.600, F.A.C., other information requirements shall be imposed on any facility whenever there is a change in the permitted
volume, location, or composition of the discharge.
(4) The permittee of any reuse or land application system shall be responsible for making facilities safe in terms of public health
and safety at all times, including periods of inactivation or abandonment. The permittee shall give the Department written notice at
least 60 days before inactivation or abandonment of a reuse or land application system and shall specify what steps will be taken to
safeguard public health and safety.
(5) Operation and Maintenance Manual.
(a) An operation and maintenance manual or an addition to the treatment plant operation and maintenance manual or stand-
alone instructional booklet, as appropriate, shall be published for all reuse or land application systems, in accordance with Rules 62-
600.720 and 62-620.630, F.A.C.
(b) In addition to the requirements specified in Chapters 62-620 and 62-600, F.A.C., the reuse/land application system operation
and maintenance instructions shall provide the operator with an adequate description and schedule of routine reclaimed water or
effluent application rates and cycles involved with the system; operation procedures (including any notification and reportin g
requirements of appropriate agencies) during adverse climatic conditions and maintenance of equipment; schedules for harvesting
and crop removal; routine maintenance required for the continued design performance of the system; ground water monitoring
procedures and schedules; listings of spare parts to have on hand; and any other information essential to the operation of the system
in accordance with the requirements of this rule.
(6) Operating Protocols.
(a) An operating protocol is a document which describes how a domestic wastewater facility is to be operated to ensure that
only reclaimed water that meets applicable standards is released to a reuse system. It is a detailed set of instructions for the operators
of the facilities. It may be part of the operation and maintenance manual or it may be a separate document.
(b) Operating protocols are required for the following types of projects:
1. Projects regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. See Rule 62-610.463, F.A.C.
2. Projects involving blending of concentrate with reclaimed water. See Rule 62-610.865, F.A.C. For blending projects
regulated under Part III of this chapter, two operating protocols are required (one governing compliance with high-level disinfection
requirements and a second governing the blending operation). In cases where two operating protocols are required, at the permittee’s
discretion, the two operating protocols may be combined into a single document.
3. Projects regulated under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. See Rule 62-610.568, F.A.C.
(c) The operating protocol shall be approved by the Department before the initial part, portion, or phase of the reuse system is
placed into operation. The Department shall approve operating protocols which meet the requirements of paragraph 62-
610.320(6)(d), F.A.C., and provide reasonable assurance that the high-level disinfection requirements will be met.
(d) The operating protocol shall address the following:
1. The criteria used to make continuous determinations of the acceptability of the reclaimed water being produced. This shall
include the setpoints for parameters measured by continuous on-line monitoring equipment.
2. The physical steps and procedures to be followed by the operator when substandard water is being produced.
3. The physical steps and procedures to be followed by the operator when the treatment facility returns to normal operation and
acceptable quality reclaimed water is again being produced.
4. Procedures to be followed during a period when an operator is not present at the treatment facility.
5. The physical steps and procedures to be followed by the operator when the operator returns to the treatment facility following
an unattended period.
(e) The permittee shall periodically review and revise the operating protocol, as appropriate, to ensure satisfactory system
performance. The operating protocol shall be submitted for Department review with each permit application. The submittal shall
include the following:
1. Current procedures and criteria addressing the requirements of paragraph 62-610.320(6)(d), F.A.C.
2. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the procedures and criteria in ensuring that applicable rule requirements are met. This shall
include an evaluation of any violations of permit requirements during the previous permit. This also shall include analysis and
correlations of parameters monitored continuously against the parameters regulated by the permit (for example, turbidity versus total
suspended solids).
(f) Any revision to the operating protocol shall be reviewed and approved by the Department. Approval by the Department shall
be a prerequisite for permit renewals.
(g) Rules 62-610.463(2) and 62-610.568(3), F.A.C., require continuous monitoring of turbidity for use in operating protocols as
a means of controlling operation of treatment facilities to ensure that only acceptable quality reclaimed water is released to the reuse
system or to system storage. In these cases, the Department shall allow use of other types of continuous monitoring equipment, if all
of the following conditions are met:
1. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the proposed monitoring equipment will provide a means for
controlling the filtration process that is at least as reliable and accurate as a turbidity meter.
2. The proposed monitoring equipment will generate a continuous reading.
3. The proposed monitoring equipment will be equipped with an automated data logging or recording device.
4. The proposed monitoring equipment shall be calibrated according to the requirements of Chapters 62-160 and 62-601, F.A.C.
5. The proposed monitoring equipment shall be maintained according to the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance
instructions.
6. The use of the proposed monitoring equipment and setpoints associated with use of the proposed monitoring equipment shall
be fully incorporated into the operating protocol.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061(7), 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.320, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 3-9-06.
62-610.330 Pretreatment Programs.
(1) A pretreatment program shall be developed and implemented, in accordance with Chapter 62-625, F.A.C., for reuse projects
regulated under Parts III or V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., or under Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., if the wastewater facility receives
discharges from significant industrial users, as defined in Rule 62-625.200, F.A.C. Pretreatment program requirements apply only to
public utilities, as defined in Rule 62-625.200, F.A.C.
(2) A pretreatment program shall not be required for Part III or V reuse projects, if the applicant indicates on Department Form
62-620.910(2) that the wastewater facility has no significant industrial users, as defined in Rule 62-625.200, F.A.C., and that no
significant industrial users are anticipated during the next five-year permit period. To continue the pretreatment program exemption,
subsequent permit renewal applications must demonstrate that the wastewater facility continues to have no significant industrial
users and none are anticipated during the next five-year permit period.
(3) Within 60 days of learning of the intent of a significant industrial user, as defined in Rule 62-625.200, F.A.C., to discharge
to a wastewater facility permitted under Parts III or V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., the permittee shall provide written notification of
the proposed discharge to the Department. Upon concurrence by the Department that the proposed discharger meets the definition of
significant industrial user, the Department shall include conditions for development and implementation of a pretreatment program
in the permit in accordance with Rule 62-625.500, F.A.C. The permit revision shall be deemed a minor revision subject to the
procedure in Rule 62-620.330, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.330, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.400 Description of System.
(1) Slow-rate land application systems involve the application of reclaimed water to a vegetated land surface with the applied
reclaimed water being treated as it flows through the plant-soil matrix. A portion of the flow percolates to the ground water and
some is used by the vegetation. Offsite surface runoff of the applied reclaimed water is generally avoided. Surface application
techniques include ridge-and-furrow and border strip flooding. Spray irrigation systems can use fixed risers or moving systems, such
as center pivots. These systems generally involve the reuse of reclaimed water that has received secondary treatment and basic
disinfection.
(2) Public access shall be restricted, except as allowed by subsection 62-610.418(2), F.A.C.
(3) Subsurface application systems may be used. Systems shall be designed and operated to preclude saturated conditions at the
ground surface.
(4) Reclaimed water may be applied to pastures and areas used to grow feed, fodder, fiber, or seed crops. Trees, including
managed hardwood or softwood plantations, may be irrigated.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.400, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.410 Waste Treatment and Disinfection.
(1) For all slow-rate systems involving irrigation of sod farms, forests, fodder crops, pasture land, or similar areas where it is
intended that public access shall be restricted, preapplication waste treatment shall result in reclaimed water meeting, at a minimum,
secondary treatment and basic disinfection levels before the land application.
(2) Systems using subsurface application systems shall be subject to the following additional limitation on TSS.
The reclaimed water shall contain not more than 10 mg/L of TSS at all times, unless the application system has been designed to
provide specific flexibility and reliability in operation and maintenance of the system. The Department shall approve alternatives to
the specified TSS limitation if the applicant provides reasonable assurances in the engineering report that the alternative control
measures will ensure non-clogging of the system.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.410, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.412 Monitoring of Reclaimed Water and Ground Water.
(1) Waste treatment limitations shall be met after disinfection and before discharge to system storage ponds or to reuse systems.
(2) Ground water monitoring.
(a) A ground water monitoring program shall be established by the permittee and approved by the Department, pursuant to
Chapter 62-601 and Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C. (unless otherwise exempted).
(b) The manual referenced in paragraph 62-610.300(1)(d), F.A.C., contains general technical guidance regarding the design and
construction of monitoring wells and ground water sampling procedures. Ground water test wells resulting from hydrogeologic
exploratory programs, background water quality determinations or other requirements shall be approved by the Department for use
as part of the compliance monitoring well system if the permittee provides reasonable assurances in the engineering report an d
ground water monitoring plan that the well meets the requirements of Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C., and that the well construction is
such that migration of fluids from the surface to subsurface formations or between subsurface formations will not occur.
(c) Ground water sampling parameters for monitoring background and receiving water quality will be established by the
Department based upon the quality of reclaimed water to be discharged, site specific soil and hydrogeologic characteristics, and
other considerations, in accordance with Chapter 62-601 and Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C. Water levels shall be recorded before
evacuating wells for sample collection. Elevation references shall include the top of the well casing and land surface at each well site
(NGVD allowable) at a precision of plus or minus 0.1 foot.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.412, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.414 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage ponds as described herein shall not be required where it is documented in the engineering report that an
alternative system (e.g., permitted surface water discharge, deep wells) is incorporated into the system design to ensure continuous
facility operation in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. If system storage is not required, provision of flow
equalization or storage shall be evaluated in the engineering report to ensure that reclaimed water flows will match the demand
pattern during a diurnal cycle.
(2) Unless exempted by subsection 62-610.414(1), F.A.C., system storage ponds shall have capacities determined as follows.
(a) System storage ponds shall have sufficient storage capacity to assure the retention of the reclaimed water under adverse
weather conditions, harvesting conditions, maintenance of irrigation equipment, or other conditions which preclude land application.
(b) Storage capacity or a limited wet weather discharge system shall be provided for wet weather conditions which preclude
land application and shall be described in the engineering report and subject to Department approval. The system storage peri od
shall be established by determining the volume of storage that would be required for a ten-year recurrence interval, using weather
data that is available from, or is representative of, the area involved.
(c) At a minimum, system storage capacity shall be the volume equal to three times that portion of the average daily flow of the
reuse capacity for which no alternative reuse or disposal system is permitted.
(d) Analytical means (water balance calculations or computer hydrological programs such as the Department’s LANDAP
program) of determining system storage requirements shall be used and shall account for all water inputs into the system. Analysis
shall be based on site specific data.
(e) The methods and assumptions used for determining the system storage requirements shall be described and justified in the
engineering report.
(f) A minimum of 20 years of climatic data shall be used in storage volume determinations.
(g) Irrigation efficiencies or rainfall efficiencies shall not be used in storage volume determinations.
(3) System storage ponds and tanks shall be designed for continuous flow-through or off-line storage of the reclaimed water
from the treatment plant. For continuous flow-through, the pond or tank shall be designed such that reclaimed water can be retained
for the required storage period. For off-line ponds or tanks, the reclaimed water transmission system shall be designed such that all
produced reclaimed water can be diverted to the pond or tank and retained for the required storage period under conditions which
preclude land application.
(4) System storage ponds shall be lined or sealed to prevent measurable seepage. The permeability, durability, strength,
thickness, and integrity of the liner material shall be satisfactorily demonstrated for anticipated pressure gradient, climatic,
installation and daily operation conditions. A quality assurance/quality control plan which substantiates the adequacy of the liner and
its installation shall be incorporated into, or shall accompany the engineering report. Synthetic liners shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. Documentation of quality assurance and quality control activities on
liner installation along with permeability or seepage test results shall be submitted with the notification that the facility will be
placed in operation.
(5) System storage ponds may be unlined if designed to provide both storage and percolation functions. When designed for
percolation such ponds are subject to the provisions of Part IV of this rule. System storage ponds may be unlined if high-level
disinfection is provided.
(6) Provisions for monitoring ground water quality adjacent to unlined system storage ponds shall be incorporated into the
ground water monitoring plan.
(7) System storage holding ponds shall provide a minimum three feet of freeboard. Holding ponds shall be provided with an
emergency discharge or overflow device to prevent water levels from rising closer than one foot to the top of the embankment or
berm. The overflow device shall have sufficient capacity to discharge excess flows. Disposition of the overflow discharge shall be
identified in the engineering report.
(8) Provisions for the control of algae shall be included in the design, operation, and maintenance and shall be described in the
engineering report. Pond design shall also address the control of mosquito breeding habitat. Minimum pond depths (excluding
freeboard but including the design operating range) of six feet, with inside bank side slopes steeper than 3:1 (horizontal to vertical),
but no steeper than 1:1, are required to discourage growth of rooted aquatic weeds. Maintenance of a minimum pond water depth of
18 inches is required. Routine aquatic weed control and regular maintenance of pond embankments and access areas are required .
The use of other depth criteria for mosquito control shall be justified in the engineering report.
(9) Ponds shall be sited to avoid areas of uneven subsidence, sinkholes, pockets of organic matter or other unstable soils unless
provisions are made for their correction. Ponds used to impound reclaimed water above natural grade shall be designed to prevent
failure of the embankment due to hydrostatic forces, seepage or soil piping, wind and wave action, erosion, and other anticipated
conditions. Results from field and laboratory tests from an adequate number of test borings and soil samples shall be the basis for
computations pertaining to seepage and stability analyses.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.414, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.417 Surface Runoff Control and Subsurface Drainage.
(1) The land application site shall be designed to prevent the entrance of surface runoff. If necessary, berms shall be place d
around the application area for this purpose. Provisions for on-site surface runoff control shall be described in the engineering report
and subject to Department approval.
(2) The requirements of subsection 62-610.850(1), F.A.C., shall apply to discharges to surface waters from perimeter drainage
features that collect reclaimed water after land application.
(3) If a subsurface drain system is necessary to prevent the water table from rising into the plant root zone, the system shall be
designed in accordance with appropriate portions of paragraph 62-610.300(1)(f), F.A.C., concerning Natural Resources
Conservation Service criteria for subsurface drains. The drainage system shall be designed so that the water table is drawn down
generally to provide for 36 inches of unsaturated soil thickness during the time when irrigation is not practiced; unsaturate d
thicknesses less than this value shall be approved only when justified in the engineering report on the basis of renovating and
agronomic aspects of the soil-plant system. The requirements of subsection 62-610.850(1), F.A.C., shall apply to discharges to
surface waters from the drainage system.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.417, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.418 Access Control and Advisory Signs.
(1) For all systems, appropriate advisory signs shall be posted around the site boundaries to designate the nature of the project
area. Fencing around the site boundary is not required. Storage ponds shall be enclosed with a fence or otherwise designed with
appropriate features to discourage the entry of animals and unauthorized persons.
(2) The permittee may allow public access to the land application site if a subsurface application system is used. Subsurface
application systems may be used to irrigate residential properties, if the requirements of Part II of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.418, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.419 Application/Distribution Systems and Cross-Connection Control.
(1) New reclaimed water application/distribution systems (and replacements of existing systems) shall be designed such that:
(a) Drawdown of holding ponds shall be accomplished as soon as is appropriate. For this purpose, a minimum hydraulic
capacity of 1.5 times the maximum daily flow (at which adequate treatment can be provided) of the treatment plant is required; the
actual hydraulic criterion selected shall be justified in the engineering report on the basis of holding pond storage capacity,
assimilative capacity of the soil-plant system, and similar considerations;
(b) The system design facilitates maintenance and harvesting of the irrigated areas and precludes damage from the use of
maintenance equipment or harvesting machinery;
(c) The system is designed to prevent clogging with algae;
(d) Exposed pipes are labeled;
(e) Spray equipment is designed and located to minimize aerosol carry-over from the application area (e.g., low pressure sprays)
to areas beyond the setback distances described in subsection 62-610.421(2), F.A.C.; and
(f) There are no above ground hose bibbs (spigots or other hand-operated connections).
(2) Subsurface application systems may be used if the reclaimed water is made available to the plant root zone and the hydraulic
loading rates and cycles comply with Rule 62-610.423, F.A.C.
(3) No cross-connections to potable water systems shall be allowed. For systems permitted under subsection 62-610.418(2),
F.A.C., the permittee shall develop and obtain Department acceptance for a cross-connection control and inspection program as
discussed in Rules 62-610.469 and 62-555.360, F.A.C.
(4) For all systems, there shall be readily identifiable “non-potable” notices, marking, or coding on application/distribution
facilities and appurtenance.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.419, Amended 1-9-96, 11-19-07.
62-610.421 Setback Distances.
(1) The permittee shall maintain setback distances between the wetted site area subject to land application and surface water s
and potable water supply wells to ensure compliance with water quality and drinking water standards, and to protect the public
health, safety and welfare. All systems shall be designed to minimize adverse effects resulting from noise, odor, lighting and aerosol
drift. Adequate site area shall be provided for operation and maintenance, and for controlling emergency discharges.
(2) Slow-rate land application systems shall maintain a distance of 100 feet from the edge of the wetted area to buildings that
are not part of the treatment facility, utilities system, or municipal operation; or to the site property line.
(a) This distance shall be reduced to 50 feet if the setback is vegetated with trees or shrubs to create a continuous visual barrier
at least five feet high to minimize aerosol drift. This distance shall be reduced to 25 feet if high-level disinfection is provided in
addition to the setback vegetation.
(b) This distance shall be reduced to 50 feet if only low trajectory, low pressure nozzles or surface application techniques are
used within the outermost 50 feet of the application area. This distance shall be further reduced to 25 feet if high-level disinfection is
also provided.
(c) If subsurface application systems are used, no setback distances to buildings are required. If subsurface application systems
are used, the setback distance to the site property line shall be reduced to 30 feet. If subsurface application systems are used and if
high-level disinfection is provided, the setback distance to the site property line shall be reduced to 10 feet.
(d) This on-site setback distance shall be reduced to 50 feet if high-level disinfection is provided.
(3) A 500-foot setback distance shall be provided from the edge of the wetted area to potable water supply wells that are
existing or have been approved by the Department or by the Department of Health (but not yet constructed); Class I surface waters;
or Class II surface waters. This distance shall be reduced to 200 feet if facility Class I reliability is provided in accordance with
subsection 62-610.462(1), F.A.C. This distance shall be reduced to 100 feet if facility Class I reliability is provided in accordance
with subsection 62-610.462(1), F.A.C., and if high-level disinfection is provided. Reductions in the 500-foot setback distance to
potable water wells, as described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., shall not be allowed. Setback distance requirements apply to all Class
II waters, regardless of Department classification (such as open, closed, approved, conditionally approved, restricted, conditionally
restricted, prohibited, or unclassified).
(4) No setback distance is required to any nonpotable water supply well.
(5) A 100-foot setback distance shall be provided from a reclaimed water transmission facility to a public water supply well. No
setback distance is required to other potable water supply wells or to nonpotable water supply wells.
(6) Setback distances for potable water supply wells shall be applied only for new or expanded reuse facilities. Setback
distances shall not be applied when considering renewal of a permit.
(7) Minimum setback distances to other classes of surface waters shall be established case-by-case based on compliance with
applicable water quality standards.
(8) The minimum setback distances described above shall only be used if, based on review of the soils and hydrogeology of the
area, the proposed hydraulic loading rate, quality of the reclaimed water, expected travel time of the ground water to the potable
water supply wells and surface waters, and similar considerations, there is reasonable assurance that applicable water qualit y
standards will not be violated.
(9) The edge of the wetted area of the land application system shall be at least 100 feet from outdoor public eating, drinking, and
bathing facilities.
(10) A 500-foot setback distance shall be provided from new unlined storage ponds to potable water supply wells. This setback
distance shall be reduced, but in no case to less than 200 feet, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in th e
engineering report that reclaimed water will not migrate to the potable water supply well as a result of conditions such as the
following:
(a) Confining units exist which preclude migration of the reclaimed water to the potable water supply well, or
(b) Ground water flow will be away from the potable water supply well, or
(c) Other hydrogeologic conditions that preclude migration of the reclaimed water to the potable water supply well.
(11) The reduced setback distances provided in subsection 62-610.421(10), F.A.C., shall not apply to potable water wells, as
described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C.
(12) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.421, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.423 Hydraulic Loading Rates.
(1) Hydraulic loading rates shall be established after considering the ability of the soil-plant system to remove pollutants from
the reclaimed water.
(2) Loading of nitrogen shall promote use by vegetation and nitrification-denitrification reactions in the soil. If supplemental
fertilizers are used, the effect of such fertilizer use on nitrate concentrations in the ground water shall be assessed in the engineering
report.
(3) Other factors which shall be considered in establishing loading rates are the infiltration capacity and hydraulic conductivity
of the geologic materials underlying the site; the resulting pollutant load shall be within the assimilative capacity of the soil-plant
system. The hydraulic loading rate shall not produce surface runoff or ponding of the applied reclaimed water. Additionally, the
quality and use of underlying ground water may dictate the loading rates to be use d.
(4) Since soil-plant relationships are complex, the initial design loading rate shall be conservative; a maximum annual average
of two inches per week is recommended. The Department will consider a rate higher than the two inches per week average provided
the rate is justified in the engineering report on the basis of the renovating and hydraulic capacity of the soil-plant system, the
existing quality and use of surface or ground water in the area, and other hydrogeologic conditions.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.423, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.425 Cattle Grazing.
For a period of 15 days from the last application of reclaimed water, land application areas shall not be used for the grazing of cattle
whose milk is intended for human consumption. No waiting period is required if high-level disinfection, as defined in Rule 62-
600.440, F.A.C., is provided. There are no restrictions on the grazing of other cattle.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051,403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.425, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.426 Edible Crops.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.426, Amended 1-9-96, Repealed 2-16-12.
62-610.450 Description of System.
(1) This type of reuse system involves the irrigation of areas that are intended to be accessible to the public, such as residential
lawns, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, landscape areas, and highway medians. Public access areas may include private property that
is not open to the public at large, but is intended for frequent use by many persons. Reclaimed water may also be made available for
fire protection, aesthetic purposes (such as decorative ponds or fountains), irrigation of edible crops, dust control on construction
sites, or other reuse activities. These reuse systems feature reclaimed water that has received high-level disinfection.
(2) Public access also may be provided to sites irrigated using subsurface application systems as described and regulated by Part
II of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Subsurface application projects regulated by Part II are not subject to the requirements of Part III of
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.450, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.451 Minimum System Size.
(1) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.451(2), F.A.C., no treatment facility with a design average daily flow of less than
0.1 mgd shall have the produced reclaimed water made available for reuse activities covered by Part III (Rules 62-610.450 through
62-610.491, F.A.C.,) of this chapter.
(2) A minimum system size is not required if reclaimed water will be used only for toilet flushing or fire protection.
(3) The permitted capacity of the overall domestic wastewater treatment facility shall be used in determining compliance with
the minimum system size requirements, even if only a small percentage of the wastewater treated is used for beneficial purposes.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.451, Amended 1-9-96, 11-19-07.
62-610.460 Waste Treatment and Disinfection.
(1) Preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water that meets, at a minimum, secondary treatment and high-
level disinfection. The reclaimed water shall not contain more than 5.0 milligrams per liter of suspended solids before the
application of the disinfectant.
(2) An operating protocol as described in Rules 62-610.320 and 62-610.463, F.A.C., shall be developed and implemented.
(3) Filtration shall be provided for TSS control. Chemical feed facilities for coagulant, coagulant aids, or polyelectrolytes shall
be provided. Such chemical feed facilities may be idle if the TSS limitation is being achieved without chemical addition. Filtration is
an important component of a wastewater treatment facility that provides reclaimed water for the types of activities allowed by Part
III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. By removing TSS before disinfection, filtration serves to increase the ability of the disinfection
process to inactivate virus and other pathogens. Filtration also serves as the primary barrier for removal of protozoan pathogens
(Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and others). Addition of chemical coagulants generally increases the effectiveness of pathogen removal.
(4) A pretreatment program shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with Rule 62-610.330, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.460, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.462 Reliability and Operator Staffing.
(1) The following reliability requirements shall apply. Facility reliability shall have a minimum Class I reliability as described in
paragraph 62-610.300(1)(c), F.A.C. The Department shall approve alternative levels of treatment facility reliability if the permittee
provides reasonable assurances in the engineering report that the facility will provide a level of reliability equivalent to Class I
reliability. Class I reliability shall not be required if a permitted alternate treatment or discharge system exists which has sufficient
capacity to handle any reclaimed water flows which do not meet the performance criteria established in the operating protocol.
(a) Multiple aeration basins shall not be required for an oxidation ditch facility to comply with Class I reliability requirements, if
the following conditions are met:
1. The construction permit application was approved by the Department before April 5, 1989;
2. The treatment facility is not being expanded; and
3. All other Class I reliability criteria are met.
(2) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.462(3), F.A.C., the wastewater treatment facility shall be staffed by a Class C or
higher operator 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lead/chief operator shall be at minimum Class B, or higher if required by
Chapter 62-699, F.A.C.
(3) The minimum staffing requirement at the wastewater treatment facility shall be reduced to staffing by a Class C or higher
operator 6 hours per day, 7 days per week, unless Chapter 62-699, F.A.C., requires additional operator presence or a higher level of
operator. The lead/chief operator shall be at minimum Class C, or higher if required by Chapter 62-699, F.A.C. This minimum
staffing requirement shall be allowed only in conjunction with at least one of the following.
(a) Diversion of acceptable quality reclaimed water to the reuse system only during periods of operator presence.
(b) Other provisions for increased facility reliability.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.462, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.463 Monitoring and Operating Protocol.
(1) Reclaimed water limitations shall be met after disinfection and before discharge to holding ponds or reuse systems. The total
suspended solids limitation shall be achieved before disinfection, regardless of the actual reclaimed water compliance monitoring
location.
(2) The treatment facility shall include continuous on-line monitoring for turbidity before application of the disinfectant.
Continuous on-line monitoring of total chlorine residual or for residual concentrations of other disinfectants, if used, shall be
provided at the compliance monitoring point. Instruments for continuous on-line monitoring of turbidity and disinfectant residuals
shall be equipped with an automated data logging or recording device. Continuous on-line monitoring instruments shall be calibrated
according to the requirements of Chapters 62-160 and 62-601, F.A.C. Continuous on-line monitoring instruments shall be
maintained according to the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions. In accordance with Rule 62-610.320, F.A.C.,
the permittee shall develop, and the Department shall approve, an operating protocol designed to ensure that the high-level
disinfection criteria will be met before the reclaimed water is released to the system storage or to the reclaimed water reuse system.
The operating protocol shall be reviewed and updated as required in Rule 62-610.320, F.A.C. Reclaimed water produced at the
treatment facility that fails to meet the criteria established in the operating protocol shall not be discharged into system storage or to
the reuse system. Such substandard reclaimed water (reject water) shall be either stored for subsequent additional treatment or shall
be discharged to another permitted reuse system requiring lower levels of preapplication treatment or to a permitted effluent disposal
system.
(3) Ground water monitoring.
(a) Monitoring of ground water requirements shall be as contained in Chapters 62-601 and 62-522, F.A.C.
(b) A ground water monitoring well shall be located adjacent to unlined storage ponds or lakes, unless the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration in the engineering report, based on local hydrogeological conditions or historic flow data for the pond,
that reclaimed water stored in the pond will not percolate to ground water.
(4) Monitoring for Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
(a) For treatment plants having capacities of 1.0 mgd or larger, the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia as follows:
1. Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each two-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not be greater than
two years.
2. Samples shall be taken at a point immediately following the disinfection process.
(b) For treatment plants having capacities less than 1.0 mgd, the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia as follows:
1. Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each five-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not be greater than
five years.
2. Samples shall be taken at a point immediately following the disinfection process.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.463, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.464 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage shall not be required where another permitted reuse system or effluent disposal system is incorporated int o
the system design to ensure continuous facility operation in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. If system
storage is not required, provision of flow equalization or storage should be evaluated in the engineering report to ensure that
reclaimed water flows will match the demand pattern during a diurnal cycle.
(2) Unless exempted by subsection 62-610.464(1), F.A.C., system storage ponds shall have capacities determined as follows.
(a) Requirements for system storage pond capacity shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.414, F.A.C., for restricted access slow-
rate land application systems. System storage or a limited wet weather discharge authorization shall be required for wet weather
conditions. At a minimum, system storage capacity shall be the volume equal to three times that portion of the average daily flow of
the total reuse capacity for which no alternative reuse or disposal system is permitted.
(3) In addition, a separate, off-line system for storage of reject water shall be provided, unless another permitted reuse system or
effluent disposal system is capable of discharging the reject water in accordance with requirements of Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. Reject
water storage shall have sufficient capacity to ensure the retention of reclaimed water of unacceptable quality. At a minimum, this
capacity shall be the volume equal to one day flow at the average daily design flow of the treatment plant or the average daily
permitted flow of the reuse system, whichever is less. Provisions for recirculating this reject water to other parts of the treatment
plant for further treatment shall be incorporated into the design.
(4) Requirements for system storage and reject water holding ponds shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.414, F.A.C., except for
the following:
(a) System storage ponds do not have to be lined.
(b) Reject storage ponds shall be lined or sealed to prevent measurable seepage.
(c) Existing or proposed lakes or ponds (such as golf course ponds) are appropriate for storage of reclaimed water and
stormwater management if all Department rules are met and the use of lakes or ponds for reclaimed water storage will not impair the
ability of the lakes or ponds to function as a stormwater management system. Rule 62-610.830, F.A.C., contains permitting
requirements for these types of storage lakes or ponds. Lakes or ponds (such as golf course ponds) used to store reclaimed water are
not required to meet the storage pond design, construction, and operation requirements in subsections 62-610.414(7) and (8), F.A.C.
(5) The permittee shall maintain an inventory of storage systems. The inventory shall be submitted to the Department at least 30
days before reclaimed water will be introduced into any new storage systems. The inventory shall be submitted annually to the
Department with the annual reuse report required by subsection 62-610.870(3), F.A.C. The inventory shall include the following:
(a) Name or identifier for the storage system.
(b) Location of the storage system (latitude/longitude).
(c) Function of the storage system (system storage or reject storage).
(d) Type of facility (covered tank, uncovered tank, lined pond, unlined pond).
(e) Indication of whether or not the storage facility is a water of the state or discharges to a water of the state.
(f) Distances to the nearest public water supply wells and to the nearest potable water supply wells which are not public water
supply wells.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.464, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.466 Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR).
(1) Aquifer storage and recovery of reclaimed water involves the following:
(a) Injection of reclaimed water into a subsurface formation for storage; and
(b) Recovery of the stored reclaimed water for beneficial purposes at a later date.
(2) Aquifer storage and recovery can be an effective and environmentally sound approach to provision of storage for reclaimed
water for reuse systems regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Aquifer storage and recovery by itself does not constitute
“reuse.” It is only when reclaimed water, which has been stored in an aquifer, is recovered and used for beneficial purposes that the
reclaimed water is considered to be “reused.” Aquifer storage and recovery systems are considered components of the overall reuse
system.
(3) Aquifer storage and recovery systems shall meet the technical and permitting requirements of the Department’s underground
injection control program which are contained in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., and shall obtain an underground injection control
construction and operation permit, as appropriate, in addition to any permits required under Chapters 62-610 and 62-620, F.A.C.
(4) In the engineering report submitted with the initial application to implement an aquifer storage and recovery system, the
applicant shall provide an evaluation of the anticipated changes in the characteristics of the reclaimed water during the injection,
storage, and recovery phases. In the engineering report, the applicant shall evaluate the need for additional treatment or disinfection
upon recovery before introduction of the recovered water into system storage or the reuse system. The engineering report shal l
include an initial characterization of the ground water at the point of injection. The ground water characterization shall include
analyses for all parameters for which ground water quality standards have been established in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C., and for fecal
coliforms. The characterization of TDS at the point of injection is discussed in subparagraph 62-610.310(3)(c)9. and subsection 62-
610.800(11), F.A.C.
(5) The water recovered from the aquifer storage and recovery system shall meet the performance standards for fecal coliforms
as specified for high-level disinfection before use in a reuse system regulated under Part III of this chapter.
(6) Applications for permit renewals shall include an evaluation of the performance of the aquifer storage and recovery system.
This shall include evaluations of monitoring data (including trends observed), any problems encountered, and any anticipated
problems based on review of the monitoring trends. Existing and anticipated problems shall be addressed as described in subsection
62-610.466(17), F.A.C.
(7) Use of Class G-IV ground water.
(a) Wells may be used to inject reclaimed water into Class G-IV ground water for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the
following conditions in either 1 or 2 are met:
1. Wells may be used to inject reclaimed water into Class G-IV ground water for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the
following conditions are met:
a. The reclaimed water meets all the preapplication treatment and disinfection criteria established in Part III of Chapter 62-610,
F.A.C., before injection.
b. Technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., are met.
2. Wells may be used to inject effluent into Class G-IV ground water for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the following
conditions are met:
a. The preapplication treatment criteria established in subsections 62-600.540(1) and (4), F.A.C., shall be met before injection.
b. Technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., are met.
c. The treatment and disinfection requirements in Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be met upon recovery of the water.
Treatment and disinfection upon recovery shall include filtration and chemical feed facilities, as described in Rule 62-610.460,
F.A.C., high-level disinfection, Class I reliability, operator attendance and staffing, operating protocol, reject storage, and
monitoring requirements.
(8) Use of Class G-I or F-I ground water.
(a) Wells may be used to inject reclaimed water into Class G-I or F-I ground water for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the
following requirements are met:
1. The reclaimed water meets the full treatment and disinfection criteria established in Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., for ground
water recharge projects.
2. Technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., are met.
(b) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.466(17), F.A.C., additional treatment or disinfection shall not be required upon
recovery of the reclaimed water.
(9) Use of Class G-II ground water containing 3000 mg/L or less of total dissolved solids.
(a) Wells may be used to inject reclaimed water into Class G-II ground water containing 3000 mg/L or less of total dissolved
solids for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The reclaimed water meets the full treatment and disinfection criteria established in Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., for ground
water recharge projects.
2. Technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., are met.
(b) If the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the receiving ground water contains between 1000 and 3000 mg/
L (inclusive) of total dissolved solids, is not currently used as a source of public water supply, and that the receiving ground water is
not reasonably expected to be used for public water supply in the future, the preapplication treatment and disinfection requirements
shall be as follows:
1. The principal treatment and disinfection requirements in Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., shall apply, with the following
modifications:
a. The parameters listed as primary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum single sample permit limitations. The
fecal coliform limitations associated with high-level disinfection shall not apply. The primary drinking water standards for asbestos
and sodium shall not apply as reclaimed water limitations.
b. The secondary drinking water standards shall not be applied as reclaimed water limitations. As described in paragraph 62-
610.466(14)(f), F.A.C., the ground water standard for sodium and the ground water standards corresponding to the secondary
drinking water standards shall be met at the edge of the extended zone of discharge.
c. The total nitrogen limit in paragraph 62-610.563(2)(c), F.A.C., shall not apply.
d. The extended zone of discharge shall not extend into zones having TDS concentrations less than 1000 mg/L (based on the
initial TDS characterization in the engineering report).
(c) The provisions of paragraph 62-610.466(9)(b), F.A.C., shall only apply to receiving ground waters that are not used for
public water supply within the following geographic limits (whichever provides for the largest horizontal distance):
1. Located within 1000 feet radially (measured horizontally) from injection and recovery wells, or
2. Located within the radial extent (measured horizontally) of the extended zone of discharge plus an additional 500 feet radially
(horizontally).
(d) Except as provided in subparagraph 62-610.466(12)(b)1. and subsection 62-610.466(17), F.A.C., additional treatment or
disinfection shall not be required upon recovery of the reclaimed water.
(10) Use of Class G-II ground water containing greater than 3000 mg/L of total dissolved solids.
(a) Wells may be used to inject reclaimed water into Class G-II ground water containing greater than 3000 mg/L of total
dissolved solids for aquifer storage and recovery if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The principal treatment and disinfection requirements in Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., shall apply, with the following
modifications:
a. The parameters listed as primary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum single sample permit limitations. The
fecal coliform limitations associated with high-level disinfection shall not apply. The primary drinking water standards for asbestos
and sodium shall not apply as reclaimed water limitations.
b. The secondary standards shall not be applied as reclaimed water limitations. As described in paragraph 62-610.466(14)(f),
F.A.C., the ground water standard for sodium and the ground water standards corresponding to the secondary drinking water
standards shall be met at the edge of the extended zone of discharge.
c. The total nitrogen limit in paragraph 62-610.563(2)(c), F.A.C., shall not apply.
d. The extended zone of discharge shall not extend into zones having TDS concentrations less than 3000 mg/L (based on the
initial TDS characterization in the engineering report).
2. Technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., are met.
(b) Except as provided in subparagraph 62-610.466(12)(b)1. and subsection 62-610.466(17), F.A.C., additional treatment or
disinfection shall not be required upon recovery of the reclaimed water.
(11) If an aquifer exemption pursuant to subsection 62-528.300(3), F.A.C., or a parameter exemption pursuant to Rule 62-
520.500, F.A.C., has been obtained, the Department shall modify the discharge limitations in the permit to reflect the terms of the
exemption.
(12) Monitoring.
(a) Reclaimed water shall be monitored before injection in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 62-601, F.A.C.
(b) Water recovered from the aquifer storage and recovery system.
1. Except as provided in subparagraphs 62-610.466(12)(b)2. and 3., F.A.C., the reclaimed water recovered from the aquifer
storage and recovery system shall be monitored for TSS, and fecal coliforms at the same frequency specified in Chapter 62-601,
F.A.C., for the treatment facility providing reclaimed water to the reuse system. CBOD5 shall be monitored monthly. If the
reclaimed water withdrawn from an aquifer storage and recovery system fails to meet the CBOD5, TSS, or fecal coliform limits
established for a reuse project regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., the Department shall require that additional
treatment or disinfection facilities be provided to ensure compliance with these limits. If the CBOD5 limits are not met, the
Department shall increase the sampling frequency for CBOD5 to the level required in Chapter 62-601, F.A.C.
2. If the reclaimed water injected into the aquifer storage and recovery system meets the full treatment and disinfection
requirements in Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., fecal coliforms shall be monitored monthly in the water recovered from the aquifer
storage and recovery system.
3. If additional treatment or disinfection is provided after recovery of the water from the aquifer storage and recovery system,
the monitoring requirements in Rule 62-610.463, F.A.C., shall apply and an operating protocol shall be implemented pursuant to
Rule 62-610.463, F.A.C.
(c) Aquifer storage and recovery system.
1. A ground water monitoring plan pursuant to Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C., shall be implemented before placing the aquifer
storage and recovery system into operation. The monitoring plan shall be designed to verify compliance with the ground water
standards and to monitor the performance of the aquifer storage and recovery system. As part of this monitoring plan, the permittee
shall monitor a measure of inorganics concentration (such as chloride or TDS) and specific conductance for the water being injected,
ground water, and the recovered water.
2. Ground water shall be monitored quarterly for all parameters for which ground water standards exist. After the first year of
operation, the frequency of this monitoring and the list of parameters may be adjusted by the Department based on previous
monitoring. Reductions in monitoring shall only be considered after the injected bubble of reclaimed water reaches a monitoring
well. The complete list of all parameters for which ground water standards exist shall be sampled at least once during each five
years.
(d) Additional water quality and ground water monitoring may be required under the underground injection control permit.
(13) Injection wells and recovery wells used for aquifer storage and recovery shall be located at least 500 feet from any potable
water supply well. For potable water supply wells which are not public water supply wells, the Department shall approve a smaller
setback distance, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that confinement exists between the
aquifer used for aquifer storage and recovery and the potable water supply well such that the aquifer storage and recovery system
will not adversely affect the quantity or quality of water withdrawn from the potable water supply well.
(14) Extended zone of discharge.
(a) Projects described in paragraph 62-610.466(9)(b) and subsection (10), F.A.C., shall have an extended zone of discharge
included in the permit. The extended zone of discharge shall apply to parameters listed as secondary drinking water standards and
for sodium. Zones of discharge will not be provided for parameters listed as primary drinking water standards (except for sodium).
(b) Except as provided in paragraph 62-610.466(14)(a), F.A.C., zones of discharge will not be allowed for projects featuring
injection into other Class G-II ground waters or into Class G-I, F-I, or G-IV ground waters.
(c) The extended zone of discharge will extend radially to the permittee’s property line. This may be greater than the 100 feet
normally allowed for a zone of discharge in Rule 62-522.410, F.A.C. The applicant may request an extended zone of discharge that
extends beyond the property boundary, if the conditions and procedures in paragraphs 62-522.500(3)(d) and (e), F.A.C., are met.
The applicant may request an extended zone of discharge beyond the property line at the time of initial permit application or with
subsequent permit renewals or permit modifications.
(d) An extended zone of discharge shall not extend closer than 500 feet to potable water supply wells. For potable water supply
wells which are not public water supply wells, the Department shall approve a smaller setback distance, if the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that confinement exists between the aquifer used for aquifer storage and
recovery and the potable water supply well such that the aquifer storage and recovery system will not adversely affect the quantity or
quality of water withdrawn from the potable water supply well.
(e) The extended zone of discharge shall extend vertically from the base to the top of a specifically designated aquifer, aquifers,
or portion of an aquifer. The vertical and lateral limits of the extended zone of discharge shall be designated. Injection and recovery
wells used in the aquifer storage and recovery system shall be included within the extended zone of discharge. As noted in sub-
subparagraphs 62-610.466(9)(b)1.d. and 62-610.466(10)(a)1.d., F.A.C., the extended zone of discharge shall not extend into zones
having TDS concentrations less than the specified threshold (based on the initial TDS characterization in the engineering report).
(f) For aquifer storage and recovery systems involving the levels of preapplication treatment provided in paragraph 62-
610.466(9)(b) or subsection (10), F.A.C., all ground water quality criteria shall be met at the edge of the extended zone of discharge.
If the natural background ground water quality does not meet the ground water quality criteria, the aquifer storage and recovery
system shall meet the natural background quality at the edge of the extended zone of discharge.
(15) The aquifer storage and recovery system (including both injection and recovery) shall be described in the domestic
wastewater permit.
(16) Applicants proposing aquifer storage and recovery systems using Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground water shall comply with
the public and utility notification requirements contained in Rule 62-610.574, F.A.C.
(17) The permittee shall assess the performance of the aquifer storage and recovery system on a monthly basis.
(a) During operation of the reuse system, if it is shown that water recovered from the aquifer storage and recovery system does
not meet the fecal coliform performance criteria associated with high-level disinfection or if the water recovered adversely affects
vegetation or crops grown in the reuse system or adversely affects the infiltration/percolation capability of soils within the reuse
system, the permittee shall do the following:
1. Evaluate the nature and severity of the problems.
2. Propose remedial or preventative measures and provide reasonable assurances that the remedial or preventative measures will
avoid future occurrences of the adverse effects. Remedial or preventative measures may include additional monitoring of or
additional treatment of the water recovered from the aquifer storage and recovery system, or other measures.
3. Propose a time schedule for implementation of the proposed remedial or preventative measures.
4. Submit a written report to the Department within 120 days of identification of a potential problem. The report shall addre ss
the requirements of subparagraphs 62-610.466(17)(a)1. through 3., F.A.C.
(b) The Department shall incorporate remedial or preventative measures and a schedule for implementation in the domestic
wastewater permit.
(c) Nothing in subsection 62-610.466(17), F.A.C., shall preclude the Department from taking enforcement action to compel
compliance with the requirements of Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C., the requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., or the ground
water standards contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 8-8-99.
62-610.468 Access Control and Advisory Signs.
(1) No provisions for access control are needed.
(2) The public shall be notified of the use of reclaimed water. This shall be accomplished by the posting of advisory signs
designating the nature of the reuse project area where reuse is practiced, notes on scorecards, or by other methods. Examples of
some of the notification methods which may be used by permittees include posting of advisory signs at entrances to residential
neighborhoods where reclaimed water is used for landscape irrigation and posting of advisory signs at the entrance to a golf course
and at the first and tenth tees.
(3) Use of purple as a prominent color on advisory signs and written notices related to a reuse project is recommended, but shall
not be required.
(4) Advisory signs shall include the following text in English and Spanish: “Do not drink” together with the equivalent standard
international symbol.
(5) Advisory signs shall be posted adjacent to lakes or ponds used to store reclaimed water that are not located at the domestic
wastewater treatment facilities. Advisory signs shall be posted at decorative water features that use reclaimed water. Advisory signs
at storage ponds or decorative water features shall include the following text in English and Spanish: “Do not drink” and “Do not
swim” together with the equivalent standard international symbols.
(6) The permittee shall ensure that users of reclaimed water are informed about the origin, nature, and characteristics of
reclaimed water; the manner in which reclaimed water can be safely used; and limitations on the use of reclaimed water. Notification
is required at the time of initial connection to the reclaimed water distribution system and annually after the reuse system is placed
into operation. The details of the public notification program shall be included in the engineering report and with each permit
application. A description of ongoing public notification activities shall be included in the annual reuse report required by subsection
62-610.870(3), F.A.C. The public notification program shall include details on written public notification activities, activities related
to the news media, use of advisory signs, and other public notification activities.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.468, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.469 Application/Distribution Systems and Cross-Connection Control.
(1) New slow-rate land application systems, expansions of existing distribution systems, and replacement of existing systems
shall be designed to provide, at a minimum, hydraulic capacity of 1.5 times maximum daily flow (at which adequate treatment can
be provided) of the treatment facility. The actual hydraulic criterion selected shall be justified in the engineering report on the
reclaimed water.
(2) Application of reclaimed water on public access facilities shall be controlled by agreement with the wastewater managemen t
entity or by local ordinance.
(3) Except as specifically allowed in this paragraph, above ground hose bibbs (spigots or other hand operated connections) shall
not be present. Hose bibbs shall be located in locked vaults, service boxes, or compartments which shall be clearly labeled as being
of nonpotable quality (bearing the words in English and Spanish: “Do not drink” together with the equivalent standard international
symbol). Hose bibbs which can only be operated by a special tool may be placed in nonlockable vaults, service boxes, or
compartments clearly labeled as nonpotable water (bearing the words in English and Spanish: “Do not drink” together with the
equivalent standard international symbol). Vaults, service boxes, and compartments meeting the requirements of this rule may be
located above or below grade. For restricted access sites, the Department shall approve the use of hose bibbs that are not in vaults,
service boxes, or compartments, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that alternate means
of securing the hose bibb will preclude unauthorized use of the hose bibb. If the Department approves alternate measures for
securing hose bibbs for restricted access sites, the alternate control measures and the hose bibb shall be color coded and clearly
labeled as being of nonpotable quality (bearing the words in English and Spanish: “Do not drink” together with the equivalent
standard international symbol).
(4) Reclaimed water shall not be used to fill swimming pools, hot tubs, or wading pools.
(5) Reclaimed water may be used to irrigate landscaped areas with a tank truck only if the following requirements are met:
(a) All applicable requirements in Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met;
(b) The truck used to transport and distribute reclaimed water is not used to transport potable water that is used for drinking
water; and
(c) The truck used to transport and distribute reclaimed water is not used to transport waters or other fluids that do not meet, at a
minimum, the requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., unless the tank has been evacuated and properly cleaned prior to
the addition of the reclaimed water.
(6) Conversion of existing facilities.
(a) Existing water lines, sewers, and wastewater transmission lines may be converted for use as reclaimed water transmission
lines.
(b) Applicants wanting to convert these types of facilities to reclaimed water transmission lines shall provide an affirmative
demonstration in the engineering report of the following:
1. The location and identification of the facilities to be converted.
2. The location of all connections to the facilities to be converted.
3. Identification of measures to be taken to ensure that existing connections will be eliminated.
4. Identification of procedures to be used to ensure that all connections and cross-connections have been eliminated. This may
include physical inspections, dye testing, or other testing procedures.
5. Description of marking, signing, labeling, or color coding to be used to identify the converted facility as a reclaimed water
transmission facility.
6. Description of cleaning and disinfection procedures to be followed before the converted facilities will be placed into
operation for reclaimed water service.
7. Assessment of the physical condition and integrity of facilities to be converted.
8. Reasonable assurance that cross-connections will not result, public health will be protected, and the integrity of water,
wastewater, and reclaimed water systems will be maintained when the conversion is made.
(7) Cross-connection control.
(a) No cross-connections to potable water systems shall be allowed. The permittee shall submit documentation of Department
acceptance for a cross-connection control and inspection program, pursuant to Rule 62-555.360, F.A.C., for all public water supply
systems located within the area to be served by reclaimed water.
(b) Reclaimed water shall not enter a dwelling unit or a building containing a dwelling unit except as allowed by Rules 62-
610.476 and 62-610.479, F.A.C.
(c) Maximum obtainable separation of reclaimed water lines and domestic water lines shall be practiced. A minimum horizontal
separation of three feet (outside to outside) shall be maintained between reclaimed water lines and either potable water mains or
sewage collection lines. The Department shall approve smaller horizontal separation distances if one of the following conditions is
met:
1. The top of the reclaimed water line is installed at least 18 inches below the bottom of the potable water line.
2. The reclaimed water line is encased in concrete.
3. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that another alternative will result in an
equivalent level of protection.
(d) The provisions of Chapter 62-604, F.A.C., are applicable to in-ground crossings. No vertical or horizontal separation
distances are required for above-ground crossings.
(e) Separation distance requirements in paragraphs 62-610.469(7)(c) and (d), F.A.C., apply to transmission and distribution
systems located in rights-of-ways. Similar separation distances are recommended, but are not required on properties where reclaimed
water is being used.
(f) All reclaimed water valves and outlets shall be appropriately tagged or labeled (bearing the words in English and Spanish :
“Do not drink” together with the equivalent standard international symbol) to warn the public and employees that the water is not
intended for drinking. All piping, pipelines, valves, and outlets shall be color coded, or otherwise marked, to differentiate reclaimed
water from domestic or other water. Effective January 1, 1996, underground piping which is not manufactured of metal or concrete,
shall be color coded for reclaimed water distribution systems using Pantone Purple 522C using light stable colorants. Underground
metal and concrete pipe shall be color coded or marked using purple as a predominant color. If tape is used to mark the pipe, the tape
shall be permanently affixed to the top and each side of the pipe (three locations parallel to the axis of the pipe). For pipes less than
24 inches in diameter, a single tape may be used along the top of the pipe. Visible, above-ground portions of the reclaimed water
distribution system shall be clearly color coded or marked. New systems and expansions of existing systems for which permit
applications are submitted to the Department on or after January 1, 1996, shall comply with this color coding standard. It is
recommended, but shall not be required, that distribution and application facilities located on private properties, including residential
properties, be color coded using Pantone Purple 522C.
(g) The return of reclaimed water to the reclaimed water distribution system after the reclaimed water has been delivered to a
user is prohibited.
(h) The permittee is responsible for conducting inspections within the reclaimed water service area to verify proper connections,
monitor proper use of reclaimed water, and minimize the potential for cross-connections. Inspections are required when customers
first connect to the reclaimed water distribution system. Periodic inspections are required as specified in the cross-connection control
and inspection program.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.469, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.471 Setback Distances.
(1) There shall be a setback distance of 75 feet from the edge of the wetted area of the public access land application area to
potable water supply wells that are existing or have been approved by the Department or by the Department of Health (but not yet
constructed). To comply with this requirement a utility providing reclaimed water for residential irrigation may adopt and enforce an
ordinance prohibiting private drinking water supply wells in residential areas. This setback distance requirement does not apply to
closed loop heating or air conditioning return wells.
(2) No setback distance is required to any nonpotable water supply well.
(3) A 75-foot setback distance shall be provided from a reclaimed water transmission facility to a public water supply well. No
setback distance is required to other potable water supply wells or to nonpotable water supply wells.
(4) Setback distances for potable water supply wells shall be applied only for new or expanded reuse facilities. Setback
distances shall not be applied when considering renewal of a permit.
(5) Setback distances are not required for surface waters or developed areas.
(6) Setback distances are not required to outdoor public eating, drinking, and bathing facilities. However, within 100 feet from
outdoor public eating, drinking and bathing facilities, low trajectory nozzles, or other means to minimize aerosol formation shall be
used.
(7) No setback distances are required for private swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, saunas, picnic tables, or barbecue pits or grills.
(8) A setback distance of 100 feet shall be maintained from indoor aesthetic features (such as decorative pools or fountains)
using reclaimed water to adjacent indoor public eating and drinking facilities where the aesthetic features and eating and drinking
facilities are within the same room or building space.
(9) A setback distance of 200 feet shall be provided from unlined storage ponds to potable water supply wells. This setback
distance shall be reduced, but in no case to less than 75 feet, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the
engineering report that reclaimed water will not migrate to the potable water supply well as a result of conditions such as the
following:
(a) Confining units exist which preclude migration of the reclaimed water to the potable water supply well, or
(b) Ground water flow will be away from the potable water supply well, or
(c) Other hydrogeologic conditions preclude migration of the reclaimed water to the potable water supply well.
(10) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
(11) For aquifer storage and recovery projects regulated under Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C., setback distance requirements for
injection and recovery wells and for extended zones of discharge are contained in subsections 62-610.466(13) and (14), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.471, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.472 Supplemental Water Supplies.
(1) Rule 62-610.472, F.A.C., applies to projects for which complete permit applications involving the use of supplemental water
supplies were received by the Department on or after August 8, 1999. Rule 62-610.472, F.A.C., shall also apply to any existing reuse
system which proposes to add a new supplemental water supply or to expand the facilities, structures, or pumps used for an existing
supplemental water supply; however, these rule requirements shall only apply to the expanded or modified portion of the project.
Incorporation of a supplemental water supply into the reuse system shall require a permit modification.
(2) Other water supplies may be used by the permittee to supplement the supply of reclaimed water. Surface waters, ground
waters, treated stormwater, and drinking water may be used to supplement the reclaimed water supply.
(3) Surface water and stormwater supplies.
(a) Surface water supplies may be used to supplement the reclaimed water supply, if all of the following conditions are met:
1. Disinfection is provided and the fecal coliform and TSS limits established for high-level disinfection in subsection 62-
600.440(5), F.A.C., are met for the treated surface water or stormwater supply before mixing with the reclaimed water. Operating
protocols and reject storage facilities are not required for the supplemental water supply.
2. The applicant shall provide an affirmative demonstration that the quality of the resulting mixture of reclaimed water and
treated surface water or stormwater will be acceptable for the permitted uses of the reclaimed water within the reclaimed water
distribution system. The following factors shall be evaluated in assessing the acceptability of the mixture of reclaimed water and
supplemental water:
a. The mixture shall not harm vegetation or crops grown in the reuse system.
b. The mixture shall enable compliance with ground water standards at the edge of the zone of discharge.
c. Public health shall be protected.
3. A one-way flow device shall be provided on each surface water or stormwater supply line to prevent backflow of reclaimed
water into the surface water or into the stormwater treatment facilities. This does not have to be an approved device as listed in Rule
62-555.360, F.A.C. A check valve, flap valve, or other device may be used.
4. Continuous monitoring for disinfectant residual shall be performed on the disinfected surface water or stormwater supply at a
point before mixing with the reclaimed water. Fecal coliforms and TSS shall be monitored at this point in accordance with the
schedule established in Chapter 62-601, F.A.C., for high-level disinfection facilities, based on the permitted capacity of the largest
domestic wastewater treatment facility providing reclaimed water to the reuse system.
5. The supplemental water supply pipes and appurtenances shall be color coded and marked to differentiate them from the
reclaimed water and potable water facilities.
(b) Subparagraphs 62-610.472(3)(a)1. through 5., F.A.C., shall apply to situations involving the introduction of stormwater or
surface water directly into a reclaimed water distribution system. Cases involving storage of reclaimed water in lakes and ponds
which are part of a stormwater management system are described in, and regulated by, Rules 62-610.464 and 62-610.830, F.A.C.,
and are not subject to Rule 62-610.472, F.A.C., shall not apply to system storage and reclaimed water distribution facilities that are
on the property of and are operated by the user of reclaimed water (such as a golf course or farm).
(c) Stormwater may be introduced into the sanitary sewerage system to augment the supply of reclaimed water, if all of the
following conditions are met:
1. The resulting mixture of stormwater and domestic wastewater receives the full level of treatment and disinfection required by
Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
2. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the sewerage system and treatment facilities have sufficient
capacities to accommodate the added volumes of stormwater.
3. Introduction of stormwater into the sewerage system shall be limited to dry-weather, low-flow conditions in the sanitary
sewerage system.
(d) Monitoring for Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
1. For treatment plants having capacities of 1.0 mgd or larger, the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia as follows:
a. Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each two-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not be greater than
two years.
b. Samples shall be taken at a point after treatment of the supplemental water supply (before blending with reclaimed water).
2. For treatment plants having capacities less than 1.0 mgd, the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for Cryptosporidium
and Giardia as follows:
a. Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each five-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not be greater than
five years.
b. Samples shall be taken at a point after treatment of the supplemental water supply (before blending with reclaimed water).
(4) Ground water supplies.
(a) Ground water supplies may be used to supplement the reclaimed water supply, if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The applicant shall provide an affirmative demonstration that the quality of the resulting mixture of reclaimed water and
ground water will be acceptable for the permitted uses of the reclaimed water within the reclaimed water distribution system. This
shall include an evaluation of the factors contained in subparagraph 62-610.472(3)(a)2., F.A.C. This shall include an analysis of the
ground water source for all of the parameters included in the ground water quality standards listed in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.
2. An approved backflow prevention device, as described in Rule 62-555.360, F.A.C., shall be provided on the pipe from each
well connected into the reclaimed water system.
3. Monitoring of the ground water supply shall be conducted quarterly for fecal coliforms, unless additional monitoring is
required by paragraph 62-610.472(4)(b), F.A.C. At the end of the first year of operation, monitoring of the ground water supply shall
be reduced if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the ground water supply meets the high-level disinfection
criteria for fecal coliforms and that public health will be protected.
4. The supplemental water supply pipes and appurtenances shall be color coded and marked to differentiate them from the
reclaimed water and potable water facilities.
(b) If the initial analysis of the ground water supply reveals that the ground water supply does not meet ground water quality
standards in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C., the parameters for which the ground water standards are not met shall be added to the quarterly
monitoring of the ground water supply.
(c) For purposes of subsection 62-610.472(4), F.A.C., water withdrawn at a springhead shall be considered as “ground water.”
(5) Drinking water supplies. Drinking water from a public water supply system may be used to supplement the reclaimed water
supply, if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) An air gap separation, as described in Rule 62-555.360, F.A.C., shall be provided on each connection from the public water
supply system into the reclaimed water system.
(b) The reuse permit shall not include requirements for monitoring of the drinking water supply.
(c) The supplemental water supply pipes and appurtenances shall be color coded and marked to differentiate them from the
reclaimed water facilities.
(d) The number of connections from the public water supply system into the reclaimed water system shall be minimized.
(6) A consumptive use permit for the use of surface water or ground water to supplement the reclaimed water supply may be
required by the appropriate water management district. A consumptive use permit from the water management district shall not be
required at the time of application for a permit from the Department. The permittee shall be responsible for securing any needed
consumptive use permits from the water management district before using ground water or surface water to supplement the
reclaimed water supply.
(7) Facilities used to connect supplemental water supplies into the reclaimed water distribution system shall be located and
documented in the record drawings for the reuse system.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 8-8-99.
62-610.473 Hydraulic Loading Rates.
Loading rates generally shall be as specified in Rule 62-610.423, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.473.
62-610.475 Edible Crops.
(1) Irrigation of edible crops that will be peeled, skinned cooked or thermally processed before consumption is allowed. Direct
contact of the reclaimed water with such edible crops is allowed.
(2) Irrigation of tobacco or citrus is allowed. Direct contact of the reclaimed water with tobacco or citrus is allowed, including
citrus used for fresh table fruit, processing into concentrate, or other purposes.
(3) Irrigation of edible crops that will not be peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally processed before consumption is allowed if
an indirect application method that will preclude direct contact with the reclaimed water (such as ridge and furrow irrigation, drip
irrigation, or a subsurface distribution system) is used.
(4) Irrigation of edible crops that will not be peeled, skinned, cooked or thermally processed before consumption using an
application method that allows for direct contact of the reclaimed water on the crop is prohibited.
(5) The permittee shall maintain an inventory of commercial agricultural operations using reclaimed water to irrigate edible
crops. The inventory of edible crop irrigation shall be submitted to the Department at least 30 days before any agricultural operation
which will use reclaimed water for irrigation of edible crops will be added to the reused system. The inventory of edible crop
irrigation shall be submitted annually to the Department with the annual report of reclaimed water utilization required by subsection
62-610.870(3), F.A.C. The inventory of edible crop irrigation shall include the following:
(a) Name of the agricultural operation.
(b) Name and telephone number of the owner or operator of the agricultural operation.
(c) Address of the agricultural operation.
(d) Edible crops irrigated with reclaimed water.
(e) Type of application (irrigation) method used.
(f) Approximate area under irrigation on which edible crops are grown.
(6) If requested, the Department shall authorize special demonstration projects to collect and present data related to the direct
application of reclaimed water on crops which are not peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally processed before consumption. Crops
produced during such demonstration projects may be used as animal feeds or may be thermally processed or cooked for human
consumption. If the applicant, based on the data collected, demonstrates to the Department that public health will be protected if
their reclaimed water is directly applied to crops which are not peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally processed, the Department
shall waive the prohibition described in subsection 62-610.475(4), F.A.C., for that project. When considering such demonstration
projects, the Department shall seek the advice of the Department of Health.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 9-13-89, Formerly 17-610.475, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.476 Toilet Flushing and Fire Protection.
(1) Toilet flushing.
(a) Reclaimed water may be used for toilet flushing in commercial or industrial facilities or buildings. Reclaimed water may be
used for toilet flushing in motels, hotels, apartment buildings, and condominiums where the individual guests or residents do not
have access to the plumbing system for repairs or modifications. Reclaimed water pipes shall be color coded. Reclaimed water shall
not be used for toilet flushing in any residential property or dwelling unit where the residents have access to the plumbing system for
repairs or modifications.
(b) If reclaimed water will be used only for toilet flushing, the Department shall approve alternative levels of reliability,
operation controls, and operator attendance if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that
alternative controls will provide controls on reclaimed water production equivalent to the full requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-
610, F.A.C., and the engineering report presents reasonable assurances that public health will be protected. The engineering report
shall document cross-connection control measures and controls on facility operation sufficient to ensure reliable production of
reclaimed water of suitable quality.
(2) Fire protection.
(a) Reclaimed water may be used to provide water for fire protection. Reclaimed water may be supplied to fire hydrants.
Hydrants supplied with reclaimed water shall be color coded and shall have no connection to the potable water supply.
(b) Reclaimed water may be used to provide water for fire protection in sprinkler systems located in commercial or industrial
facilities or buildings. Reclaimed water may be used to provide water for fire protection in sprinkler systems located in motels,
hotels, apartment buildings, and condominiums where the individual guests or residents do not have access to the plumbing system
for repairs or modifications. Such sprinkler systems shall be color coded and shall be supplied only by reclaimed water.
(c) Fire protection systems using reclaimed water shall be designed and operated in accordance with local fire protection codes,
regulations, or ordinances.
(d) If reclaimed water will be used only for fire protection, the Department shall approve alternative levels of reliability,
operation controls, and operator attendance if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that
alternative controls will provide controls on reclaimed water production equivalent to the full requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-
610, F.A.C., and the engineering report presents reasonable assurances that public health will be protected. The engineering report
shall document cross-connection control measures and controls on facility operation sufficient to ensure reliable production of
reclaimed water of suitable quality.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.476, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.478 Construction Dust Control.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.478, Repealed 2-16-12.
62-610.479 Aesthetic Purposes.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087,
403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.479, Amended 1-9-96, Repealed 2-16-12.
62-610.480 Other Reuse Applications.
(1) The Department shall approve other uses of reclaimed water if the following requirements are met:
(a) All requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met; and
(b) The engineering report provides reasonable assurance that the intended use will meet applicable rules of the Department and
will protect the public health.
(2) Additional uses which are approved include:
(a) Water supply for commercial laundries.
(b) Vehicle washing.
(c) Flushing of sanitary sewers and reclaimed water lines.
(d) Mixing of concrete.
(e) Manufacture of ice for ice rinks.
(f) Cleaning roads, sidewalks, and outdoor work areas.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.480, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.490 Permitting Concept.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.490, Amended 1-9-96, Repealed 2-16-12.
62-610.491 Additional Operation and Maintenance Requirements.
(1) In addition to the operation and maintenance requirements specified in Rule 62-610.320, F.A.C., and the engineering report
requirements specified in Rule 62-610.310, F.A.C., the following requirements apply to reuse systems for irrigation in public access
areas.
(a) The permittee shall develop and obtain Department approval of an operating protocol as discussed in Rules 62-610.320 and
62-610.463, F.A.C.
(b) The permittee shall develop and obtain Department acceptance for a cross-connection prevention and inspection program as
discussed in Rule 62-610.469, F.A.C.
(c) As part of the permit application, the applicant shall submit documentation of controls on individual users of reclaimed
water through detailed agreements (including copy of the agreement) or by local ordinance (include copy of appropriate ordinance).
(d) A pretreatment program shall be developed and implemented pursuant to Rule 62-610.330, F.A.C.
(2) For new reuse systems, items required by paragraphs 62-610.491(1)(a) and (b), F.A.C., shall be approved or accepted and
implemented prior to placing the initial part, portion, or phase of the reuse system into operation.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.491, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.500 Description of System.
(1) Rapid infiltration basins (RIBs).
(a) Rapid infiltration basins involve reuse of reclaimed water by spreading in a system of basins, RIBs, percolation ponds (cells)
which may be underlain with subsurface drains. The percolation area shall be divided into two or more basins, RIBs, or cells (each
of which need not have identical size and shape) to allow for alternate loading and resting.
(2) Absorption fields.
(a) This method of land application involves reuse of domestic reclaimed water through discharge to absorption fields. This
method involves high rates of application of reclaimed water and loading to subsurface absorption fields, and is distinguished from
“drip” irrigation. Facilities shall be designed so that portions of the absorption field shall be isolated for alternate loading and resting
without interrupting application of reclaimed water. The application/distribution system shall be designed with appropriate materials
and dimensions compatible with the physical (particularly soil) conditions at the specific site.
(b) Absorption fields shall be designed to use the soil/plant overburden. They shall not be designed to have paved or impervious
overburden surfaces. Systems designed with paved or impervious overburden surfaces shall meet the requirements of Rule 62-
610.525, F.A.C. Particular attention shall be given to the reliability and flexibility of operating and maintaining the proposed
application/distribution system as well as the level of preapplication treatment and surface drainage effects on the absorption fields.
(c) Absorption fields shall be designed and operated to preclude saturated conditions at the ground surface.
(3) Because of the somewhat limited ability of these systems to renovate reclaimed water, the permittee shall, in the engineering
report, address (in detail) the ability of the proposed project to meet ground water criteria at the edge of the zone of discharge.
Projects having hydrogeologic or other project characteristics unfavorable for achieving the combined objectives of wastewate r
renovation, effluent disposal or reuse of reclaimed water, and ground water protection shall meet the requirements of Rule 62-
610.525, F.A.C. New rapid-rate land application projects involving continuous loading to a single basin, RIB, percolation cell, or
absorption field shall meet the requirements in Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.500, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.510 Waste Treatment, Disinfection, and Monitoring.
(1) At a minimum, preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water meeting secondary treatment and basic
disinfection levels prior to spreading into the rapid infiltration basins or absorption field system. The nitrate concentration in the
applied reclaimed water shall not exceed 12 mg/L (as nitrogen) unless reasonable assurance is provided in the engineering report
that nitrate as measured in any hydraulically down-gradient monitoring well located at the edge of the zone of discharge established
in accordance with Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C., will not exceed 10 mg/L or background levels in the receiving ground water,
whichever is less stringent. Design nitrate content of the reclaimed water prior to reuse shall be established by the permittee subject
to Department approval. Additional treatment may be required as a result of the pond location, subsurface drainage, and hydrauli c
loading rate provisions contained below.
(2) For absorption field systems, the reclaimed water shall contain not more than 10 mg/L TSS prior to discharge to the
application/distribution system, unless the absorption field and the application/distribution system have been designed to provide
specific flexibility and reliability in operation and maintenance of the system. Alternatives to the specified TSS limitation shall be
approved by the Department if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the alternative control measure will ensure
non-clogging of the system.
(3) Monitoring.
(a) Waste treatment limitations shall be met after disinfection and before discharge to holding ponds or to reuse systems.
(b) Requirements for ground water monitoring shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.412, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.510, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.514 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage is not required for rapid-rate land application systems. However, it shall be demonstrated in the engineering
report that percolation ponds (cells), rapid infiltration basins, or absorption fields will function adequately under high ground water
conditions and that reclaimed water storage or other discharge provisions are not required.
(2) Where holding ponds are provided for reclaimed water storage, such ponds are subject to the requirements of Rule 62-
610.414, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.514, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.516 Emergency Discharge.
Rapid infiltration basins or percolation ponds shall be designed to provide a minimum of three feet of freeboard in order to protect
the integrity of pond embankments. Percolation ponds and rapid infiltration basins shall be provided with an emergency discharge
device to prevent water levels from rising closer than one foot from the top of the embankment or berm. The overflow device shall
have sufficient capacity to discharge potential excess flows. Disposition of the overflow shall be described in the engineering report
and shown on the plans and shall be approved by the Department.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.516, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.517 Surface Runoff Control and Subsurface Drainage.
(1) Surface runoff control.
(a) The land application site shall be designed to prevent the entrance of surface runoff. If necessary, berms shall be placed
around the application area for this purpose. Provisions for on-site surface runoff control shall be described in the engineering report
and subject to Department approval.
(b) The requirements of subsection 62-610.850(1), F.A.C., shall apply to discharges to surface waters from perimeter drainage
features that collect reclaimed water after land application.
(c) Rapid-rate land application systems that result in the collection and discharge of more than 50 percent of the applied
reclaimed water shall be considered as effluent disposal systems. This criterion shall be used solely to classify projects as “reuse” or
“disposal.” This criterion in no way affects the requirements in paragraph 62-610.517(1)(b), F.A.C.
(2) Subsurface drainage.
(a) If subsurface drain systems are needed, they shall be designed in accordance with appropriate portions of paragraph 62-
610.300(1)(f), F.A.C., concerning Natural Resources Conservation Service criteria for subsurface drains. The drainage system shall
be designed so that the seasonal high water table is drawn down to a minimum of 36 inches below pond bottoms during resting
periods. The requirements of subsection 62-610.850(1), F.A.C., shall apply to discharges to surface waters from the drainage system.
(b) Rapid-rate land application systems that result in the collection and discharge of more than 50 percent of the applied
reclaimed water shall be considered as effluent disposal systems. This criterion shall be used solely to classify projects as “reuse” or
“disposal.” This criterion in no way affects the requirements in paragraph 62-610.517(2)(a), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.517, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.518 Access Control and Advisory Signs.
(1) For all rapid-rate land application systems, appropriate advisory signs shall be posted around the site boundaries to designate
the nature of the project area. Fencing around the entire site boundary is not required. Rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, or
trenches, and storage ponds shall be enclosed with a fence or otherwise designed with appropriate features to discourage the entry of
animals and unauthorized persons.
(2) The permittee may allow public access to absorption field sites.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.518, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.521 Setback Distances.
(1) The permittee shall maintain setback distances between the wetted site area subject to land application and surface waters
and potable water supply wells to ensure compliance with water quality and drinking water standards, and to protect the publi c
health, safety and welfare. All systems shall be designed to minimize adverse effects resulting from noise, lighting, aerosol drift, and
odors. Adequate site area shall be provided for operation and maintenance, and for controlling emergency discharges.
(2) A setback distance of 500 feet shall be provided from the edge of the rapid infiltration basin, percolation pond, basin, or
trench embankments, or from the edge of an absorption field to potable water supply wells that are existing or have been approved
by the Department or by the Department of Health (but not yet constructed); Class I surface waters; or Class II surface waters. The
setback distance to Class I and II surface waters shall be reduced to 100 feet if high-level disinfection is provided. Setback distance
requirements apply to all Class II waters, regardless of Department classification (such as open, closed, approved, conditionally
approved, restricted, conditionally restricted, prohibited, or unclassified). The setback distance to potable water supply wells, which
are not potable water wells, as described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., shall be reduced to 200 feet if all of the following requirements
are met:
(a) Class I reliability is provided in accordance with subsection 62-610.462(1), F.A.C.;
(b) High-level disinfection is provided; and
(c) The applicant provides information in the engineering report dealing with soils, hydrogeologic conditions, the depth and
casing characteristics of such wells, proposed hydraulic loading rates, quality of reclaimed water, and expected travel time of the
ground water to the potable water supply wells that provides reasonable assurance that applicable water quality standards will not be
violated at the point of withdrawal.
(3) No setback distance is required to any nonpotable water supply well.
(4) Setback distances for potable water supply wells shall be applied only for new or expanded reuse facilities. Setback
distances shall not be applied when considering renewal of a permit.
(5) Minimum setback distances to other classes of surface waters shall be sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of
compliance with applicable water quality standards.
(6) A setback distance of at least 100 feet shall be maintained from the edge of the rapid infiltration basins, percolation pond,
basin, or embankments, or absorption field to buildings that are not part of the treatment facility, utilities system, or municipal
operations; or to the site property line.
(a) This on-site setback distance shall be reduced to 50 feet if the following requirements are met:
1. The reuse site is adjacent to a right-of-way;
2. The engineering report demonstrates that operation of the reuse system, including ground water mounding, will not adversel y
affect the intended use of the right-of-way; and
3. Information in the engineering report dealing with soils, hydrogeologic conditions, proposed hydraulic loading rates, quality
of reclaimed water, and expected travel time of ground water to the site property line provides reasonable assurance that applicable
water quality standards will not be violated.
(b) This on-site setback distance shall be reduced to 25 feet if high-level disinfection is provided in addition to the requirements
of paragraph 62-610.521(6)(a), F.A.C.
(c) This on-site setback distance shall be reduced to 50 feet if the following requirements are met:
1. High-level disinfection is provided; and
2. Information in the engineering report dealing with soils, hydrogeologic conditions, proposed hydraulic loading rates, quality
of reclaimed water, and expected travel time of ground water to the site property line provides reasonable assurance that applicable
water quality standards will not be violated.
(7) A 100-foot setback distance shall be provided from a reclaimed water transmission facility to a public water supply well. No
setback distance is required to other potable water supply wells or to nonpotable water supply wells.
(8) The minimum setback distances described above shall only be used if, based on review of the soils and hydrogeology of the
area, the proposed hydraulic loading rate, quality of the reclaimed water, expected travel time of the ground water to the potable
water supply wells and surface waters, and similar considerations, there is reasonable assurance that applicable water qualit y
standards will not be violated.
(9) For rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, basins, unlined storage ponds, and trenches, setback distances shall be
measured beginning at the inside top of the berm surrounding the pond. For absorption fields, setback distances shall be measured
from the outer-most edge of the absorption field trench.
(10) A 500-foot setback distance shall be provided from new unlined storage ponds to potable water wells, as described in Rule
62-521.200, F.A.C.
(11) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.521, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.523 Design and Operation Requirements.
(1) Hydraulic loading rates shall be developed on the basis of representative percolation tests (drainfield percolation tests
described in Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., are inappropriate) which simulate actual loading conditions that will prevail during the design
life of the rapid-rate system. This shall involve bench-scale or pilot-scale hydraulic testing with either the actual reclaimed water to
be applied, or other water properly adjusted to correspond to the composition of the reclaimed water to be applied. The design
loading rate shall allow for the expected gradual reduction in percolation rate due to long-term application of reclaimed water.
(2) The design hydraulic loading (and application) rate shall be related to the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity and of
the geologic formations at the project site which shall be evaluated in-depth by the permittee, with assistance from organizations or
individuals qualified by training or experience in soil science, geology, and hydrolog y.
(3) Initial average annual hydraulic loading rates shall be limited to 3 inches per day, or 1.9 GPD/FT2, as an annual average
where hydrogeologically feasible and as applied to the total bottom area of rapid infiltration basins, percolation cells, or absorption
fields. For absorption fields, the bottom area shall be calculated by multiplying the bottom width of the absorption field trench by the
length of the absorption field application/distribution lines. An applicant may request higher average annual loading rates based on
justification provided in the engineering report, but such rates shall not exceed 9 inches per day (5.6 GPD/FT2), unless the
requirements of Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., are met. The average annual hydraulic loading rate shall be related to the clear water
saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity for the most restrictive layer in the unconsolidated medium underlying the site. However,
application rates during the loading cycle for individual rapid infiltration basins, percolation cells, or portions of the absorption field
comprising the system will depend on the average annual hydraulic loading rate and the loading/resting cycle for the system.
Application rates during the loading cycle shall be conservative and shall not exceed 25 percent of the documented vertical hydraulic
conductivity, as described above, to control ground water mounding and ensure hydraulic performance of the system. Applicatio n
rates during the loading cycle may exceed the maximum average annual hydraulic loading rates specified above. Justification for the
use of selected design hydraulic criteria shall be required in the engineering report. These design criteria shall be based on the
pollutant load in the reclaimed water to be applied, the characteristics of the underlying soil and aquifer system, loading and resting
cycles to be used, and other process design considerations (including denitrification reactions that may be incorporated into the
facility’s design).
(4) Hydraulic loading and resting cycles shall be developed so as to restore operating percolation rates of the pond system to
design levels by the end of the resting period. Hydraulic loading periods of 1-7 days with resting periods of 5-14 days to dry the cell
bottoms and enable scarification or removal of deposited solids are required. Design loading and resting cycles and other
maintenance measures required to ensure system performance shall be described in the engineering report. Systems which achiev e
restoration of design operating percolation rates on a diurnal cycle shall meet the requirements of Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C. Loading
and resting cycles are required for absorption fields. Loading and resting periods for absorption fields may vary from the
requirements for rapid infiltration basins, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the alternative loading and
resting cycle will enable compliance with the ground water criteria at the edge of the zone of discharge.
(5) A ground water mounding analysis based on site-specific information shall be included in the engineering report. This
analysis shall demonstrate acceptable long-term hydraulic performance of the system. The ground water mounding analysis shall
demonstrate that the ground water mound will not intercept the ground surface during any portion of the loading cycle during any
time of the year. The ground water mounding analysis shall demonstrate that increases in ground water elevations shall not interfere
with reasonable uses of adjacent properties.
(6) Rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, basins, trenches, or cells shall be routinely maintained to control vegetation
growth and to maintain percolation capability by scarification or removal of deposited solids.
(7) Rapid infiltration basin, percolation pond, and trench bottoms shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to be level.
(8) Provisions shall be made in the design to ensure reasonably uniform distribution of reclaimed water across the entire bottom
area of rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, basins, or cells. Multiple discharge points (normally three or less) may be needed
to accomplish this. Elaborate sprinkler distribution systems shall not be required for rapid infiltration basins. Absorption fields shall
be designed and constructed to ensure reasonably uniform distribution of reclaimed water across each portion of the absorption field
system.
(9) The physical characteristics of unconsolidated materials overlying the bedrock shall be such that direct rapid movement
(short-circuit) of the applied reclaimed water to underlying aquifers does not occur, unless the requirements of Rule 62-610.525,
F.A.C., are met.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.523, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.525 Projects Involving Additional Levels of Preapplication Treatment.
(1) Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., applies to the following types of new, rapid-rate, land application projects, for which complete
permit applications were received by the Department on or after January 1, 1996:
(a) Projects located over Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters in aquifers used for public water supply, which are unconfined
and have highly permeable soil types such that rapid movement of reclaimed water into the aquifer will occur.
(b) Projects located over Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters in aquifers used for public water supply, which are located in
karst areas having solution features or fractures such that rapid movement of reclaimed water into the aquifer will occur.
(c) Projects designed for continuous loading to a single rapid infiltration basin, percolation pond, cell, or absorption field. This
also includes projects having multiple rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, cells, or portions of absorption fields, which are
continuously loaded or are never allowed to dry or are unable to dry.
(d) Projects having rapid infiltration basins, percolation ponds, cells, or absorption field application distribution systems which
are excavated into the receiving ground water.
(e) Projects involving average annual loading rates greater than 9 inches per day.
(2) Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C., also shall apply to existing projects which are being expanded or modified; however, these rule
requirements shall apply only to the expanded or modified portion of the project.
(3) In accordance with Rule 62-610.100, F.A.C., the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee may apply the requirements in Rule
62-610.525, F.A.C., to existing, rapid-rate land application facilities where violations of permit conditions or water quality standards
have occurred to ensure future compliance with permit conditions and water quality standards.
(4) Projects permitted under this section shall be considered as reuse for ground water recharge.
(5) Preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water that meets, at a minimum, secondary treatment and high-
level disinfection. The reclaimed water shall not contain more than 5.0 mg/L of total suspended solids before application of the
disinfectant.
(6) Filtration shall be provided for total suspended solids control. Chemical feed facilities for coagulants, coagulant aids, or
polyelectrolytes shall be provided. Such chemical feed facilities may be idle if the reclaimed water limitations are being achieved
without chemical addition. Filtration is an important component of the wastewater treatment facility. By removing TSS before
disinfection, filtration serves to increase the ability of the disinfection process to inactivate virus and other pathogens. Filtration also
serves as the primary barrier for removal of protozoan pathogens (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and others). Addition of chemical
coagulants generally increases the effectiveness of pathogen removal.
(7) Total nitrogen shall be limited to 10 mg/L as nitrogen as a maximum annual average. Monthly average and single sample
maximum permit limitations shall be established using the multipliers in subparagraph 62-600.740(1)(b)2., F.A.C.
(8) Drinking water standards.
(a) Wastewater treatment facilities shall be designed and operated to meet the primary and secondary drinking water standards
established in Rules 62-550.310 and 62-550.320, F.A.C.
1. The parameters listed as primary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum single sample permit limits. The
primary drinking water standards for asbestos and bacteriological parameters shall not apply. The primary drinking water standard
for sodium shall be applied as a maximum annual average permit limitation. The multipliers in subparagarph 62-600.740(1)(b)2.,
F.A.C., shall be used to establish maximum monthly and single sample maximum permit limits for sodium.
2. Except for pH, the parameters listed as secondary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum annual average
permit limits. The multipliers established in subparagraph 62-600.740(1)(b)2., F.A.C., shall be used to establish maximum monthly
and single sample maximum permit limits.
3. The secondary drinking water standard for fluoride shall be used in establishing permit limits, as described in subparagraph
62-610.525(8)(a)2., F.A.C.
4. All pH observations in the reclaimed water shall fall within the pH range established in the secondary drinking water
standards.
5. The reclaimed water shall be sampled for the parameters listed as primary or secondary drinking water standards as follows:
a. Parameters listed as primary drinking water standards that are imposed as reclaimed water limits shall be analyzed monthly.
After the first three months, the Department shall reduce the monitoring frequency if the applicant provides an affirmative
demonstration that reclaimed water limits and ground water standards will be met and that public health will be protected. In no case
shall the frequency of this monitoring be reduced below quarterly.
b. Parameters listed as secondary drinking water standards that are imposed as reclaimed water limits shall be analyzed
quarterly. After the first year, the Department shall reduce the monitoring frequency if the applicant provides an affirmative
demonstration that reclaimed water limits and ground water standards will be met and that public health will be protected. In no case
shall the frequency of this monitoring be reduced below annually. The pH of the reclaimed water shall be analyzed daily.
c. Except for pH, twenty-four hour composite samples shall be used to analyze the reclaimed water for parameters listed as
primary or secondary drinking water standards.
(b) The Department shall approve less restrictive discharge limits for parameters which are included as primary or secondary
drinking water standards under any of the following circumstances:
1. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that a zone of discharge is appropriate and that
the corresponding ground water standards contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C., will be met at the edge of the zone of discharge.
2. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that the receiving ground water does not meet
ground water standards. For the affected parameters, the Department shall establish reclaimed water discharge limits at the level
occurring in the receiving ground water.
3. An aquifer exemption has been granted, as provided in subsection 62-528.300(3), F.A.C.
4. A parameter exemption has been granted, as provided in Rule 62-520.500, F.A.C.
(c) If the Department establishes alternative discharge limits in accordance with paragraph 62-610.525(8)(b), F.A.C., the
alternative limit shall serve as the single sample maximum permit limit.
(9) Class I reliability as described in paragraph 62-610.300(1)(c), F.A.C., shall be provided. The Department shall approve
alternative levels of treatment facility reliability if the permittee provides reasonable assurances in the engineering report that the
facility will provide a level of reliability equivalent to Class I reliability. Class I reliability shall not be required if a permitted
alternate treatment or discharge system exists which has sufficient capacity to handle any reclaimed water flows which do not meet
the performance criteria for the reuse system.
(10) A ground water monitoring plan meeting the requirements of Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C., is required. A proposed monitoring
plan shall be included in the engineering report. Approval of the monitoring plan by the Department shall be a prerequisite for
issuance of the initial permit.
(11) Setback distances shall be as established in Rule 62-610.521, F.A.C.
(12) A pretreatment program shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with Rule 62-610.330, F.A.C., for domestic
wastewater treatment facilities which have permitted capacities of 0.1 mgd or larger and discharge all or part of their reclaimed
water to rapid-rate land application systems regulated under Rule 62-610.525, F.A.C.
(13) The permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The following requirements shall be met:
(a) Sampling shall be conducted once every two years. Intervals between sampling shall not exceed two years.
(b) Samples shall be taken at a point immediately following the disinfection process.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.525, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.550 Description of System.
(1) Ground water recharge.
(a) This type of reuse system involves the planned use of reclaimed water to augment Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters.
Types of ground water recharge systems include:
1. Injection of reclaimed water into Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters, as described in Rule 62-610.560, F.A.C.
2. Rapid-rate land application systems, as described and regulated by Part IV of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
3. Use of reclaimed water to create barriers to the landward or upward migration of salt water within Class F-I, G-I, or G-II
ground waters, as described in Rule 62-610.562, F.A.C. Rapid-rate land application or injection facilities may be used for salinity
barrier control.
4. Discharge to surface waters which are directly connected to Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters, as described in Rule 62-
610.555, F.A.C.
(b) Rule 62-520.410, F.A.C., identifies the designated uses of G-I, F-I, and G-II ground waters as being “potable water use.” As
a result, it is likely that there may be elements of potable reuse associated with existing and proposed ground water recharg e
projects.
(2) Indirect potable reuse. This type of reuse system involves the planned use of reclaimed water to augment surface water
resources which are used or will be used for public water supplies. Indirect potable reuse systems include:
(a) Discharges to Class I surface waters, as described in Rule 62-610.554, F.A.C.
(b) Discharges to other surface waters which are directly or indirectly connected to Class I surface waters, as described in Rule
62-610.555, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.550, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.553 Minimum System Size.
Reclaimed water from treatment facilities with a design average daily flow of less than 0.1 mgd shall not be used for ground water
recharge or indirect potable reuse under the provisions of Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96.
62-610.554 Discharge to Class I Surface Waters.
(1) Discharge to Class I waters is allowed.
(2) Discharge of reclaimed water to wetlands located within Class I surface waters is allowed, if the requirements of Chapter 62-
611, F.A.C., and this part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met.
(3) Discharges of reclaimed water to Class I waters shall be considered as being reuse for indirect potable purposes.
(4) The reclaimed water shall meet the principal treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(2),
F.A.C. The reclaimed water shall meet the drinking water standards as described in paragraph 62-610.563(3)(b), F.A.C. The
disinfection standards in sub-subparagraph 62-610.563(3)(b)1.a., F.A.C., shall govern. The fecal coliform limitations associated with
high-level disinfection shall not apply. If the ambient water quality in the receiving Class I water does not meet the drinking water
standards, the Department shall establish alternate reclaimed water limits at the level in the receiving water. In no case shall the
alternate limits exceed the Class I water standards. Alternative limits will be applied as single sample maxima. Total organic carbon
(TOC) shall not exceed 3.0 mg/L as the monthly average limitation. No single sample shall exceed 5.0 mg/L.
(5) Discharges to surface waters shall meet reclaimed water or effluent limits established by procedures contained in Chapter
62-650, F.A.C., and the requirements of the antidegradation policy contained in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(6) No mixing zones shall be allowed.
(7) The reclaimed water shall be sampled and analyzed for TOC in accord with subsection 62-610.568(4), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.555 Discharge to Other Surface Waters.
(1) Discharge to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I waters.
(a) For purposes of this paragraph, discharge to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I waters shall be defined as a
discharge located less than or equal to four hours travel time from the point of discharge to arrival at the boundary of the Class I
water. Travel time determinations shall be based upon the expected flow of the receiving water during the wettest month of the year
with the discharge activated. The travel time shall be documented in the engineering report.
(b) The reclaimed water shall meet the principal treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(2),
F.A.C. The reclaimed water shall meet the drinking water standards as described in paragraph 62-610.563(3)(b), F.A.C. The
disinfection standards in sub-subparagraph 62-610.563(3)(b)1.a., F.A.C., shall govern. The fecal coliform limitations associated with
high-level disinfection shall not apply. If the ambient water quality in the receiving Class I water does not meet the drinking water
standards, the Department shall establish alternate reclaimed water limits at the level in the receiving water. In no case shall the
alternate limits exceed the Class I water standards. Alternate limits will be applied as single sample maxima. Total organic carbon
(TOC) shall not exceed 3.0 mg/L as the monthly average limitation. No single sample shall exceed 5.0 mg/L.
(c) Discharge of reclaimed water or effluent to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I waters shall be in accordance with
Chapter 62-650, F.A.C. Discharges shall meet the requirements of the antidegradation policy contained in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-
302.300, F.A.C.
(d) Discharge of reclaimed water to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I waters shall be considered as indirect potable
reuse.
(e) Mixing zones shall not extend into Class I waters.
(f) The reclaimed water shall be sampled and analyzed for TOC in accord with subsection 62-610.568(4), F.A.C.
(2) Discharge upstream of Class I waters.
(a) For purposes of this paragraph, discharge to waters upstream of Class I waters shall be defined as a discharge located greater
than 4 hours and less than or equal to 24 hours travel time from the point of discharge to arrival at the boundary of the Class I water.
Travel time determinations shall be based upon the expected flow of the receiving water during the wettest month of the year with
the discharge activated. The travel time shall be documented in the engineering report.
(b) The reclaimed water shall meet the principal treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(2),
F.A.C.
(c) Discharge of reclaimed water or effluent upstream of Class I waters shall be in accordance with Chapter 62-650, F.A.C.
Discharges shall meet the requirements of the antidegradation policy contained in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(d) Discharge upstream of Class I waters shall be considered as indirect potable reuse only if the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration in the engineering report of the following:
1. There is a need to supplement the supply of water in the Class I water for public water supply purposes, and
2. Discharge of reclaimed water will meet part or all of the identified need to supplement the water supply.
(3) Surface water discharges located greater than 24 hours travel time to Class I waters shall not be considered as indirect
potable reuse. Discharges located greater than 24 hours travel time to Class I waters are not subject to regulation under Chapter 62-
610, F.A.C.
(4) Discharge to other surface waters which are directly connected to Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters.
(a) Discharge of reclaimed water or effluent to surface waters which are directly connected to Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground
water is allowed.
(b) An example of a surface water directly connected to ground water is a canal in Southeast Florida which is an extension of
the Biscayne Aquifer.
(c) A wetlands or other surface water which may recharge an underlying aquifer through percolation downward through
unconsolidated material shall not be considered as being directly connected to ground water for purposes of this paragraph.
Discharges to wetlands are subject to the requirements of Chapter 62-611, F.A.C. Discharges to other surface waters are subject to
the requirements of Chapter 62-650, F.A.C. Discharge to a wetlands or other surface water which recharges ground water through
vertical percolation also are subject to regulation under the ground water rules in Chapters 62-520 and 62-522, F.A.C. These surface
water discharges are not subject to regulation under Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(d) Discharge to a surface water which is directly connected to ground water shall be considered as a ground water recharge
system if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration of the following in the engineering report:
1. The existence of a direct connection between the surface water and ground water,
2. Discharge of reclaimed water to the surface water will serve to recharge the ground water, and
3. The existence of a need to replenish the ground water supply in the area.
(e) The reclaimed water shall meet the principal treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(2),
F.A.C.
(f) Discharges to surface waters shall meet reclaimed water or effluent limits established by procedures contained in Chapter 62-
650, F.A.C. Discharge limits shall be established to ensure that ground water quality criteria established in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.,
will be met at the point or points where the surface water enters the ground water system. These surface water discharges shall meet
the requirements of the antidegradation policy contained in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.556 Land Application.
It is recognized that land application projects can and do recharge ground water and can be used to augment ground waters used for
potable purposes. Land application systems are regulated by Parts II, III, IV, and VI of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. As a result, land
application projects are not subject to regulation under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 1-9-96.
62-610.560 Ground Water Recharge by Injection.
(1) Injection of reclaimed water into Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground water shall be considered as ground water recharge.
(2) Reclaimed water injected into Class G-II ground water containing 3000 mg/L or less of total dissolved solids or into Class
G-I or F-I ground water shall meet the full treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(3), F.A.C.
(3) Reclaimed water may be injected into Class G-II ground water containing greater than 3000 mg/L of total dissolved solids, if
the following conditions are met:
(a) The reclaimed water shall meet the principal treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(2),
F.A.C.
(b) The reclaimed water shall meet the primary drinking water standards as described in paragraph 62-610.563(3)(b), F.A.C.,
before injection. The disinfection standards in sub-subparagraph 62-610.563(3)(b)1.a., F.A.C., shall govern. The fecal coliform
limitations associated with high-level disinfection shall not apply. Zones of discharge shall be provided for parameters listed as
primary drinking water standards (except for sodium).
(c) The reclaimed water does not have to comply with the secondary drinking water standards before injection. A zone of
discharge, as described in Rule 62-522.410, F.A.C., shall be provided for the parameters included in the secondary drinking water
standards and for sodium. The ground water shall meet all ground water quality standards at the edge of the zone of discharge. If the
natural background ground water quality does not meet the ground water quality standards, the injection system shall be operated
such that the ground water quality will be no worse than the natural background ground water quality at the edge of the zone of
discharge.
(d) The zone of discharge shall not extend into zones having TDS concentrations less than 3000 mg/L (based on the initial TDS
characterization in the engineering report).
(4) All injection projects shall comply with the technical and permitting requirements in Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., and shall
obtain an underground injection control construction and operation permit, as appropriate, in addition to any permits required under
Chapters 62-610 and 62-620, F.A.C.
(5) The Department shall approve less restrictive discharge limitations for parameters which are included as drinking water
standards in either of the following circumstances:
(a) An aquifer exemption has been granted, as provided in subsection 62-528.300(3), F.A.C.
(b) A parameter exemption has been granted, as described in Rule 62-520.500, F.A.C.
(6) If the Department establishes alternative discharge limitations in accordance with subsection 62-610.560(5), F.A.C., the
alternative limit shall be applied as a single sample maximum.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.859 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087,
403.088, 403.859 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.560, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.562 Salinity Barrier Systems.
(1) Reclaimed water may be used in compliance with this rule to create fresh water barriers to impede landward or upward
migration of salt water into Class F-I, G-I, or G-II ground waters.
(2) If rapid-rate land application systems are used to create such barriers, the requirements in Part IV of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.,
shall apply. Rapid-rate land application systems are not subject to regulation under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(3) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.562(4), F.A.C., if injection systems are used, the requirements of Rule 62-610.560,
F.A.C., shall apply.
(4) Salinity barrier systems involving injection to Class G-II ground water containing 1000 to 3000 mg/L of total dissolved
solids. Treatment requirements specified in subsection 62-610.560(3), F.A.C., shall apply to this case, if all of the following
conditions are met:
(a) In the engineering report, the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the receiving ground water within 1000
feet of the salinity barrier injection well is not currently used as a source of public water supply and that the receiving ground water
within this area is not reasonably expected to be used for public water supply in the future.
(b) In the engineering report, the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration of the need to control the landward or upward
migration of salt water and the ability of the proposed project to retard the landward or upward migration of salt water.
(c) A setback distance of 1000 feet shall be maintained from the injection well to potable water supply wells.
(d) The injection system shall be designed and operated to preclude movement of the injected reclaimed water to potable water
supply wells with subsequent withdrawal of reclaimed water at the potable water supply wells.
(e) The zone of discharge shall not extend into zones having TDS concentrations less than 1000 mg/L (based on the initial TDS
characterization in the engineering report).
(5) The Department shall approve less restrictive discharge limitations for parameters which are included as drinking water
standards in either of the following circumstances:
(a) An aquifer exemption has been granted, as provided in subsection 62-528.300(3), F.A.C.
(b) A parameter exemption has been granted, as described in Rule 62-520.500, F.A.C.
(6) If the Department establishes alternative discharge limitations in accordance with subsection 62-610.560(5), F.A.C., the
alternative limit shall be applied as a single sample maximum.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.563 Waste Treatment and Disinfection.
(1) Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., defines two levels of treatment and disinfection: “principal treatment and disinfection,” and “full
treatment and disinfection.” These two levels of treatment and disinfection, or specific components of these levels of treatment and
disinfection, shall be applied to ground water recharge and indirect potable reuse projects as required by other rules within Part V.
(2) Principal treatment and disinfection requirements.
(a) Preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water that meets, at a minimum, secondary treatment and high-
level disinfection. The reclaimed water shall not contain more than 5.0 mg/L of total suspended solids before application of the
disinfectant.
(b) Filtration shall be provided for total suspended solids control. Chemical feed facilities for coagulants, coagulant aids, or
polyelectrolytes shall be provided and maintained. Such chemical feed facilities may be idle if the reclaimed water limitations are
being achieved without chemical addition. Filtration is an important component of the wastewater treatment facility. By removing
TSS before disinfection, filtration serves to increase the ability of the disinfection process to inactivate virus and other pathogens.
Filtration also serves as the primary barrier for removal of protozoan pathogens (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and others). Addition of
chemical coagulants generally increases the effectiveness of pathogen removal.
(c) Total nitrogen shall be limited to 10 mg/L as nitrogen as a maximum annual average limitation. Monthly average and single
sample permit limitations shall be established using the multipliers in subparagraph 62-600.740(1)(b)2., F.A.C. For surface water
discharges, WQBELs established under Chapter 62-650, F.A.C., may place additional limitations on nitrogen or other parameters.
(3) Full treatment and disinfection requirements.
(a) The principal treatment and disinfection requirements described in subsection 62-610.563(2), F.A.C., shall apply, unless
they are less stringent than the requirements for full treatment and disinfection.
(b) Drinking water standards.
1. Wastewater treatment facilities shall be designed and operated to meet the primary and secondary drinking water standards
established in Rules 62-550.310 and 62-550.320, F.A.C.
a. The parameters listed as primary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum single sample permit limits. The
primary drinking water standard for asbestos shall not apply. The primary drinking water standards for bacteriological parameters
shall be applied as the disinfection standard as described in subsection 62-550.310(3), F.A.C., except that public notification
requirements shall not apply. The primary drinking water standard for sodium shall be applied as a maximum annual average permit
limitation. The multipliers established in subparagraph 62-600.740(1)(b)2., F.A.C., shall be used to establish maximum monthly and
single sample maximum permit limits for sodium.
b. Except for pH, the parameters listed as secondary drinking water standards shall be applied as maximum annual average
permit limits. The multipliers established in subparagraph 62-600.740(1)(b)2., F.A.C., shall be used to establish maximum monthly
and single sample maximum permit limits.
c. All pH observations in the reclaimed water shall fall within the pH range established in the secondary drinking water
standards.
(c) Additional reductions of pollutants which otherwise would be discharged in quantities which would reasonably be
anticipated to pose risk to public health because of acute or chronic toxicity shall be required.
(d) Total organic carbon (TOC) shall not exceed 3.0 mg/L as the monthly average limitation. No single sample shall exceed 5.0
mg/L.
(e) Total organic halogen (TOX) shall not exceed 0.2 mg/L as the monthly average limitation. No single sample shall exceed 0.3
mg/L.
(f) The treatment processes shall include processes which serve as multiple barriers for control of organic compounds and
pathogens.
(4) Treatment and disinfection requirements imposed by Rule 62-610.563, F.A.C., are additive to other effluent or reclaimed
water limitations imposed by other rules (such as WQBEL limits designed to protect surface water quality, which are imposed b y
Chapter 62-650, F.A.C.).
(5) All ground water recharge and indirect potable reuse projects regulated by Part V shall implement pretreatment programs i n
accordance with Rule 62-610.330, F.A.C.
(6) For injection projects requiring full treatment and disinfection, the Department shall approve alternative TOC and TOX
limitations or shall approve inclusion of treatment technologies provided at the point of ground water withdrawal as part of the
multiple barriers required by paragraph 62-610.563(3)(f), F.A.C., if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration of all of the
following in the engineering report:
(a) All withdrawals of ground water for potable purposes within one mile of the injection well are owned and operated by the
applicant.
(b) Other parties are legally prohibited from installing or operating potable water supply wells within one mile of the injection
well.
(c) Treatment provided on water supply wells within one mile of the injection well includes reverse osmosis or other processe s
that will serve as barriers for control of organic compounds or pathogens.
(d) The integrated treatment and disinfection system (wastewater treatment facilities and water treatment facilities) provides a
level of public health protection equivalent to the full treatment and disinfection requirements in subsection 62-610.563(3), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.563, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.564 Pilot Testing Program.
(1) Pilot testing is required for all projects that are required to provide full treatment and disinfection, as described in subsection
62-610.563(3), F.A.C.
(2) The pilot testing program shall be designed to demonstrate the ability of the selected treatment processes to meet the
requirements of Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., and to generate a supply of reclaimed water that can be used to evaluate the
suitability of the reclaimed water for ground water recharge or indirect potable reuse. Pilot testing shall be done using wastewater/
reclaimed water.
(3) The pilot testing program shall accumulate 12 months of data.
(4) The pilot testing program shall include the following:
(a) An affirmative demonstration that the treatment and disinfection processes proposed for inclusion in the wastewater
treatment facility are capable of meeting the full treatment and disinfection requirements contained in subsection 62-610.563(3),
F.A.C., and that the reclaimed water will be of sufficient quality to protect public health and environmental quality.
(b) An evaluation of Enterovirus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and helminths in order to demonstrate that the wastewater
treatment facilities are capable of producing a reclaimed water that is pathogen free (concentrations of pathogens are less than
detection).
(c) Results of a biological testing procedure approved by the Department to determine the mutagenicity of the reclaimed water.
(d) Reclaimed water quality shall be compared to other sources of drinking water currently used in the area. The reclaimed
water shall be of a quality that is the same or better than other sources of drinking water currently used in the area.
(5) The Department shall approve reductions in the duration or scope of the pilot testing program if all of the following
conditions are met:
(a) The applicant provides a detailed plan of study for the Department’s review before initiating the pilot testing program.
(b) The detailed plan of study provides an affirmative demonstration that a shorter duration study or reduced scope of study will
be sufficient to demonstrate the ability of the proposed treatment processes to meet the reclaimed water limitations and to
demonstrate the public health and environmental safety of the reclaimed water to be produced. Results of previous pilot testing
programs and operating experience at similar water reclamation and reuse projects may be used as part of the demonstration.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.564, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.567 Reliability and Operator Staffing.
(1) A minimum of Class I reliability, as described in paragraph 62-610.300(1)(c), F.A.C., shall be provided at all domestic
wastewater treatment facilities providing reclaimed water for ground water recharge and indirect potable reuse systems, which are
regulated by Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(a) The Department shall approve alternative levels of treatment facility reliability if the applicant provides reasonable
assurances in the engineering report that the facility will provide a level of reliability equivalent to Class I reliability. Class I
reliability shall not be required if a permitted alternate treatment or discharge system exists which has sufficient capacity to handle
any reclaimed water flows which do not meet the performance criteria established for the reuse system.
(b) Deviations in the Class I reliability requirements, as described in paragraph 62-610.567(1)(a), F.A.C., shall not be allowed
for water reclamation facilities for which full treatment and disinfection are required.
(2) The engineering and instrumentation design for the wastewater treatment facilities that are required to meet full treatment
and disinfection shall include fail safe “lock-out” capabilities which will ensure that operational problems jeopardizing the quality of
the reclaimed water will result in immediate shut-down or diversion of potentially unacceptable quality water. The operating
protocol shall require positive operator verification that the problem has been corrected before reclaimed water will be allowed to be
sent to system storage or to the reuse system. The following parameters shall be subject to the fail safe “lock-out” provisions:
(a) Turbidity.
(b) Chlorine residual (or other disinfectant dose or residual).
(c) Failure of the chlorination (or other disinfection) system to deliver the disinfectant.
(d) Failure to meet the chlorine contact time requirements.
(e) Failure to feed coagulant, while the chemical feed system is activated.
(3) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.567(4), F.A.C., domestic wastewater treatment facilities which are not required to
provide full treatment and disinfection shall be staffed by a Class C or higher operator 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lead/
chief operator shall be at minimum Class B, or higher if required by Chapter 62-699, F.A.C.
(4) The minimum staffing requirement at the wastewater treatment facility shall be reduced to staffing by a Class C or higher
operator 6 hours per day, 7 days per week, unless Chapter 62-699, F.A.C., requires additional operator presence or a higher level of
operator. The lead/chief operator shall be at minimum Class C, or higher if required by Chapter 62-699, F.A.C. This minimum
staffing requirement shall be allowed only in conjunction with at least one of the following:
(a) Diversion of acceptable quality reclaimed water to the reuse system only during periods of operator presence.
(b) Other provisions for increased reliability.
(5) Domestic wastewater treatment facilities which are required to provide full treatment and disinfection shall be staffed by a
Class C or higher operator 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lead/chief operator shall be at minimum Class A. No reductions
in this operator staffing requirement shall be allowed.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.567, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.568 Monitoring and Operating Protocol.
(1) Only acceptable quality reclaimed water shall be discharged to reuse systems regulated under Part V of Chapter 62-610,
F.A.C.
(2) Reclaimed water limitations shall be met before injection to ground water or discharge to surface waters. For projects
requiring high-level disinfection, the total suspended solids limitation shall be achieved before disinfection, regardless of the actual
reclaimed water compliance monitoring location.
(3) The treatment facility shall include continuous on-line monitoring for turbidity before application of the disinfectant.
Continuous monitoring for chlorine residual or for residual concentrations of other disinfectants, if used, shall be provided at the
compliance monitoring point. Instruments for continuous on-line monitoring shall be equipped with an automated data logging or
recording device. Continuous on-line monitoring instruments shall be calibrated according to the requirements of Chapters 62-160
and 62-601, F.A.C. Continuous on-line monitoring instruments shall be maintained according to the manufacturer’s operation and
maintenance instructions.
(4) Treatment facilities designed to meet the full treatment and disinfection requirements shall have the reclaimed water
sampled and analyzed for TOC and TOX daily, seven days per week.
(5) Treatment facilities that are required to meet the drinking water standards shall sample the reclaimed water for parameters
regulated as drinking water standards as follows:
(a) If the treatment facility is required to meet the bacteriological requirements of the drinking water standards, total coliforms
and total suspended solids shall be analyzed daily.
(b) Parameters listed as primary drinking water standards that are imposed as reclaimed water limits shall be analyzed monthly.
After the first year, the Department shall reduce the monitoring frequency if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that
reclaimed water limits and ground water standards will be met and that public health will be protected. In no case shall the frequency
of this monitoring be reduced below quarterly.
(c) Parameters listed as secondary drinking water standards that are imposed as reclaimed water limits shall be analyzed
quarterly. After the first year, the Department shall reduce the monitoring frequency if the applicant provides an affirmative
demonstration that reclaimed water limits and ground water standards will be met and that public health will be protected. In no case
shall the frequency of this monitoring be reduced below annually. The pH of the reclaimed water shall be analyzed daily.
(d) Except for total coliforms and pH, twenty-four hour composite samples shall be used to analyze the reclaimed water for
parameters listed as primary or secondary drinking water standards.
(6) Other reclaimed water monitoring shall meet the requirements of Chapter 62-601, F.A.C.
(7) In accordance with Rule 62-610.320, F.A.C., the permittee shall develop, and the Department shall approve, an operating
protocol designed to ensure that the reclaimed water limitations will be met before the reclaimed water is released to the reuse
system. For treatment facilities required to provide full treatment and disinfection, the operating protocol shall include monitoring
and control of key treatment processes for removal of organic compounds required by subsection 62-610.563(3), F.A.C., and shall
incorporate the fail safe “lock-out” provisions of subsection 62-610.567(2), F.A.C. In the engineering report, the applicant shall
describe and justify the operational controls on the key treatment processes for removal of organic compounds. Reclaimed water
produced at the treatment facility that fails to meet the criteria established in the operating protocol shall not be released to the
system storage or reuse system. Such substandard reclaimed water (reject water) shall be either stored for subsequent additional
treatment or shall be discharged to another permitted reuse system requiring lower levels of preapplication treatment or to a
permitted effluent disposal system. The operating protocol shall be reviewed and updated by the permittee as required by Rule 62-
610.320, F.A.C. The permittee shall submit the current operating protocol to the Department for review with any application t o
renew or modify the permit.
(8) Ground water monitoring requirements shall be as specified in Rule 62-610.412, F.A.C. A ground water monitoring plan
meeting the requirements of Chapters 62-522, 62-601, and 62-610, F.A.C., is required. Submittal and approval of ground water
monitoring plans shall be in accordance with Rule 62-522.600, F.A.C. Department approval of the ground water monitoring plan is a
prerequisite for issuance of the initial permit.
(9) The surface water or ground water receiving the reclaimed water shall be sampled quarterly for the parameters for which
primary or secondary drinking water standards have been established. After the first year of operation, the Department shall reduc e
the sampling frequency if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that water quality standards will be met in the
receiving surface water or ground water and that public health will be protected. For ground water recharge projects, reductions in
monitoring shall be considered only after the injected reclaimed water reaches a monitoring well. The complete list of all re gulated
parameters shall be sampled and analyzed for at least annually.
(10) Except as noted in subsection 62-610.568(11), F.A.C., the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for Cryptosporidium
and Giardia. The following requirements shall be met:
(a) Sampling shall be conducted quarterly. Intervals between sampling shall not exceed three months.
(b) Samples shall be taken at a point immediately following the final treatment or disinfection process within the treatment
facility.
(c) Sampling for Cryptosporidium and Giardia shall be required only for the following types of projects:
1. Discharge to Class I surface waters, as described in Rule 62-610.554, F.A.C.
2. Discharge to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I surface waters, as described in subsection 62-610.555(1), F.A.C.
3. Injection projects used for ground water recharge or salinity barrier control, as described in Rule 62-610.560 or 62-610.562,
F.A.C.
4. Discharges to surface waters that are directly connected to ground water, which serve as ground water recharge, as described
in subsection 62-610.555(4), F.A.C.
(11) For projects involving discharge to waters upstream of Class I surface waters, as described in subsection 62-610.555(2),
F.A.C., the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The following requirements shall be met:
(a) Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each two-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not exceed two
years.
(b) Samples shall be taken at a point immediately following the disinfection process.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.568, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.571 Setback Distances.
(1) Setback distances for injection facilities shall be established in accordance with Rule 62-610.521, F.A.C.
(2) Outfalls for surface water discharges shall not be located within 500 feet of existing or approved (but not yet constructed)
potable water intakes within Class I surface waters.
(3) Where zones of discharge are allowed by this part and by Rule 62-522.410, F.A.C., the zone of discharge shall not extend
closer than 500 feet to a potable water supply well.
(4) A 1000-foot setback distance from the injection well to potable water supply wells shall be required for injection wells used
for salinity barrier control, which are subject to the requirements of subsection 62-610.562(4), F.A.C.
(5) For potable water supply wells that are not potable water wells, as described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., the Department
shall approve smaller setback distances than those required by subsections 62-610.571(3) and (4), F.A.C., if the applicant provides
an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that confinement exists between the injection zone and the potable water
supply well such that the injection will not adversely affect the quantity or quality of water withdrawn from the potable wat er supply
well.
(6) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.571, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.573 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage is not required. The engineering report shall include an evaluation of the possible need for system storag e.
(2) If system storage is provided, the requirements for system storage ponds shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.464, F.A.C.
(3) A separate, off-line system shall be provided for storage of reject water. Reject water storage shall have sufficient capacity
to ensure retention of reclaimed water of unacceptable quality. At a minimum, for treatment facilities required to provide full
treatment and disinfection, this capacity shall be the volume equal to three days flow at the average daily permitted flow of the
treatment plant, or the average daily permitted flow of the reuse system, whichever is less. If full treatment and disinfection is not
required, the capacity requirement shall be reduced to one day’s flow. Provisions for recirculating this reject water to other parts of
the treatment plant for further treatment shall be incorporated into the design. Reject storage shall not be required if another
permitted reuse system or effluent disposal system is capable of discharging the reject water in accordance with the requirements of
Chapter 62-620, F.A.C. Reject storage ponds shall be lined or sealed to prevent measurable seepage, as described in Rule 62-
610.414, F.A.C.
(4) The engineering report shall document the provisions for discharge of unacceptable quality reclaimed water in the event the
capacity of the reject storage system is exceeded.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.573, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.574 Access Control, Advisory Signs, and Public Notification.
(1) Access control for storage ponds shall be as described in Rule 62-610.518, F.A.C.
(2) Chapter 62-620, F.A.C., requires public notification and provides opportunities for a public meeting for projects involving
surface water discharges. Chapter 62-528, F.A.C., requires public notification and provides opportunities for a public meeting for
projects involving underground injection. These public notification and public meeting requirements contained in Chapters 62-528
and 62-620, F.A.C., shall apply to injection and surface water discharge projects, respectively, regulated under Part V of Chapter 62-
610, F.A.C.
(3) Permittees developing ground water recharge or indirect potable reuse projects that will be regulated under Part V of
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall implement public education and public participation programs during the planning stages of the reuse
program. The public education and public participation programs shall be described in detail in the engineering report.
(4) Applicants shall provide written notice to affected public water supply utilities within the area to be affected by the proposed
project. For projects involving discharges to Class I waters, affected utilities shall include public water supply utilities drawing
source water from the Class I water. For aquifer storage and recovery projects and injection projects regulated by Rules 62-610.466,
62-610.560, or 62-610.562, F.A.C., affected utilities shall include public water supply utilities withdrawing ground water for public
water supply within two miles of the proposed injection well, or within the area of review established in accordance with Rule 62-
528.300(4), F.A.C., whichever is larger. For projects involving discharges to surface waters that are directly connected to ground
water, which serve as ground water recharge, as described in subsection 62-610.555(4), F.A.C., affected utilities shall include public
water supply utilities withdrawing ground water for public water supply within two miles of the point of discharge and within two
miles of the point or points where the surface water enters the ground water. Written notice also shall be provided to the appropriate
county health department. These written notifications shall be accomplished before the submittal of the initial permit application.
Documentation of this notification procedure shall be included in the engineering report. These notices to affected utilities and to the
county health department are required for the following types of projects:
(a) Discharge to Class I surface waters, as described in Rule 62-610.554, F.A.C.
(b) Discharge to waters contiguous to or tributary to Class I surface waters, as described in subsection 62-610.555(1), F.A.C.
(c) Injection projects used for ground water recharge or salinity barrier control, as described in Rule 62-610.560 or 62-610.562,
F.A.C.
(d) Discharges to surface waters that are directly connected to ground water, which serve as ground water recharge, as described
in subsection 62-610.555(4), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.574, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.575 Hydraulic Loading Rates.
(1) The permittee shall provide reasonable assurances that the hydraulic loading rates used in the design will enable the system
to comply with the requirements of this part while meeting applicable surface water and ground water quality standards.
(2) A ground water mounding analysis shall be included in the engineering report for projects involving discharges to ground
water. The permittee shall provide reasonable assurances that the proposed project will function as intended and will not result in
excessive mounding of ground waters, increases in surface water elevations, property damage, or interference with reasonable use of
property within the affected area.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.575, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.600 Description of System.
This method of land application involves treatment of domestic wastewater to meet effluent limitations for discharge to surface
waters. Wastewater is applied by sprinkling or flooding upper reaches of terraced, sloped, vegetated surfaces, such as sod farms,
forests, fodder crops, pasture lands, and similar areas. A runoff conveyance system is provided at the ends of the sloped surfaces.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.600.
62-610.610 Waste Treatment and Disinfection.
(1) Approval of projects involving preapplication treatment below secondary treatment and basic disinfection levels shall be
given provided the physical site conditions in Rule 62-610.625, F.A.C., are met. Proposed preapplication treatment levels shall
provide reasonable assurance that long-term performance of the land treatment system shall, at a minimum, result in an effluent
meeting the secondary treatment and basic disinfection levels before release of effluent to the environment by final surface water
discharge from land treatment sites. The pollutant content of the final effluent may be more stringently limited by effluent
limitations required in Chapters 62-600 and 62-650, F.A.C., as required to satisfy water quality requirements.
(2) Preapplication treatment processes shall produce an effluent prior to discharge to holding ponds or to the application/
distribution system containing not more than 40-60 mg/L of CBOD5 and 40-60 mg/L of TSS, and meeting the low-level disinfection
criteria of 2400 fecal coliforms per 100 mL. Additional treatment may also be required as a result of the hydraulic loading rate, and
surface runoff control provisions contained below.
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088 FS. History–New
4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.610, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.613 Monitoring of Effluent and Ground Water.
(1) Preapplication waste treatment limitations shall be met after disinfection and before discharge to holding ponds or to th e
overland flow system.
(2) Final effluent monitoring shall be accomplished after the overland flow system and any additional treatment or disinfection
and before release to the environment.
(3) Ground water monitoring requirements, if any, shall be established pursuant to Rule 62-610.412, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.613, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.614 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage ponds shall have sufficient storage capacity to assure the retention of the preapplication wastewaters under
adverse climatic conditions, harvesting conditions, maintenance of irrigation equipment, or other conditions which preclude land
application. At a minimum, this capacity shall be the volume equal to 1.5 days flow at the annual average daily design flow of the
treatment plant or the average daily permitted flow of the disposal system, whichever is less.
(2) Additional storage capacity (beyond the minimum requirement) shall be provided based on the need for flow equalization to
maintain design hydraulic loading rates or to comply with mass discharge effluent limitations and shall be described in the
engineering report and is subject to Department approval.
(3) Analytical means (water balance calculations or computer hydrological programs) of determining system storage required
for overland flow land application systems shall be utilized. Such methods shall be described and justified in the engineering report.
(4) Requirements for system storage holding ponds shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.414, F.A.C. Where a continuous
aquitard is present at the overland flow site, the aquitard may be used to provide assurance of compliance with the liner or seal
requirements of Rule 62-610.414, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.614, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.617 Surface Runoff Control.
Requirements for control of runoff entering the land application site shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.417, F.A.C. All discharges
from the application site shall result in maintenance of water quality standards.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.617.
62-610.618 Access Control and Advisory Signs.
Requirements shall be as contained in subsection 62-610.418(1), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.618, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.621 Setback Distances.
(1) The permittee shall maintain setback distances between the wetted site area subject to land application and surface water s
and potable water supply wells to ensure compliance with water quality and drinking water standards, and to protect the public
health, safety and welfare. All systems shall be designed to minimize adverse effects resulting from noise, lighting, aerosol drift, and
odors. Adequate site area shall be provided for operation and maintenance, and for controlling emergency discharges.
(2) Overland flow land application systems shall maintain a distance of 100 feet from the edge of the wetted area of the land
application area to buildings that are not part of the treatment facilities, utilities system, or municipal operations; or to the site
property line, and to potable water supply wells, which are not potable water wells, as described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., that are
existing or have been approved by the Department or by the Department of Health (but not yet constructed).
(3) A setback distance of 500 feet shall be provided from the edge of the wetted area to Class I surface waters; or Class II
surface waters, or to potable water wells, as described in Rule 62-521.200, F.A.C., that are existing or have been approved by the
Department or by the Department of Health (but not yet constructed). Setback distance requirements apply to all Class II waters,
regardless of Department classification (such as open, closed, approved, conditionally approved, restricted, conditionally restricted,
prohibited, or unclassified).
(4) A 100-foot setback distance shall be provided from a reclaimed water transmission facility to a public water supply well. No
setback distance is required to other potable water supply wells or to nonpotable water supply wells.
(5) Setback distances to potable water supply wells shall be applied only for new or expanded overland flow systems. Setback
distances shall not be applied when considering a permit renewal.
(6) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.621, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.625 Design and Operation Requirements.
(1) Due to the objective of overland flow systems, the design will provide for runoff of applied effluents, and limited
infiltration. Most suited to this type of system are areas with soils of relatively low infiltration and vertical hydraulic conductivity
with an acquitard in the soil profile.
(2) A continuous acquitard (natural or artificial) shall be present in the unconsolidated medium under the proposed land
application site such that effluent percolating through the soil system above the acquitard is under operational control (for further
treatment if necessary). Operational control exists when the percolate flows to the surface drainage system (as opposed to vertical
leakage through the aquitard or lateral movement beyond the influence of the drain system).
(a) The confining zone shall be present at relatively shallow depths; shall have a representative hydraulic conductivity no
greater than 10% of the average hydraulic conductivity of the unconsolidated medium overlying the acquitard; and shall be of such
permeability and thickness to provide reasonable assurance that downward percolation of waters will be minimized.
(b) The permittee shall establish the number of soil samples required to determine representative hydraulic conductivity values
and to affirmatively demonstrate that a natural acquitard is continuous at a particular site. Samples shall be distributed throughout
the project site. An estimate of sample size required shall be determined through statistical techniques which, based on the size and
variance of an initial number of partially-distributed samples, predict the minimum number of samples required to assure that the
population and sample means are within a 95 percent confidence interval.
(c) Other methods (e.g., geophysical techniques) to establish the extent and continuity of a natural acquitard shall be approved
by the Department upon justification by the permittee.
(3) Design land surface slopes, slope lengths, and detention times required for the system will be governed by preapplication
treatment levels and by final effluent limitations required as a result of receiving water conditions. Land surface slopes of 2-8
percent shall be applicable, with slope lengths of 100-300 feet involved.
(4) A maximum annual average hydraulic loading rate of seven inches (or 4.4 GAL/FT2) per week as applied to the entire area
receiving overland flow is required. Rates higher than seven inches per week shall be accepted where rates are substantiated in the
engineering report on the basis of the renovative ability of the system or other considerations and demonstration that Department
rules will be met. Application cycles of wetting and drying the system shall be developed so as to maintain the presence and activity
of microorganisms on the soil surface and shall be described in the engineering report.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.625, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.650 Description of System.
(1) This type of reuse system involves the use of reclaimed water from domestic wastewater sources for cooling water, wash
water, or process water at industrial facilities.
(2) Use of treated industrial wastewaters for land application, recycling within the industrial facility, or other reuse or disposal
methods is not governed by Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Reuse or disposal of industrial wastewaters is regulated by the Department's
industrial wastewater rules.
(3) The reclaimed water flowing out of the industrial process shall be considered as an industrial wastewater and shall be subject
to regulation under Chapters 62-4, 62-302, 62-520, 62-521, 62-522, 62-620, 62-621, 62-650, 62-660, 62-670, 62-671, 62-672, and
62-673, F.A.C., except as provided in Rule 62-610.668, F.A.C.
(4) Food Processing. Reclaimed water shall not be used in the manufacture or processing of food or beverage for human
consumption where the reclaimed water will be incorporated into or come in contact with the food or beverage product.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.650, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.652 Waste Treatment, Disinfection, and Monitoring.
(1) Preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water that meets secondary treatment and basic disinfection. I f
required by subsection 62-610.652(5), F.A.C., additional treatment and disinfection shall be provided.
(2) Individual industrial activities or users may have water quality needs which may necessitate treatment beyond the minimum
requirements established in this part. The Department shall not regulate these additional treatment and disinfection requirements.
These additional treatment and disinfection requirements shall be subject to negotiation between the industry and the supplier of the
reclaimed water.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph 62-610.668(2)(d), F.A.C., domestic wastewater treatment or disinfection provided at the
industrial facility before reuse of the reclaimed water at the industrial facility shall be subject to domestic wastewater permitting if
the treatment or disinfection at the industrial site is needed to meet the minimum treatment and disinfection requirements imposed
by this part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(4) If additional treatment or disinfection is provided at the industrial facility before reuse of the reclaimed water at the
industrial facility, and the additional treatment or disinfection is provided only to meet water quality needs of the industry which are
more stringent than the minimum requirements imposed by this part, domestic wastewater permitting shall not be needed for the
additional treatment or disinfection facilities located at the industrial facility.
(5) All requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., including minimum system size requirements, shall be met if
reclaimed water will be used in open cooling tower applications, except as provided in paragraphs 62-610.668(2)(c) or (d), F.A.C.
(6) Monitoring.
(a) Waste treatment limitations shall be met after disinfection and before discharge to system storage or the reuse system.
(b) If high-level disinfection is provided, the total suspended solids limitation shall be met after filtration and before application
of the disinfectant.
(c) For facilities that provide reclaimed water for use in open cooling towers, the permittee shall sample the reclaimed water for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The following requirements shall be met:
1. Sampling shall be conducted at one time during each two-year period. Intervals between sampling shall not exceed two years.
This sampling frequency is independent of the treatment plant’s capacity.
2. Samples shall be taken from at a point immediately following the disinfection process.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.656 Storage Requirements.
(1) System storage ponds shall not be required.
(2) If system storage facilities are provided at the domestic wastewater treatment facility, the following requirements apply:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) below, requirements for design and operation of system storage facilities shall be as
contained in Rule 62-610.414, F.A.C.
(b) If all requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met, requirements for design and operation of system storage
facilities shall be as contained in Rule 62-610.464, F.A.C.
(3) If system storage facilities are provided at the industrial facility, these storage facilities are subject to regulation under the
facility’s industrial wastewater permit. These system storage facilities located at the industrial facility will not be regulated under
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.658 Access Control and Advisory Signs.
(1) For all systems, advisory signs shall be posted around the portions of the industrial site in which reclaimed water is used and
at the main entrances to the industrial site to notify employees at the industrial site and the public of the nature of the reclaimed
water use.
(2) Access control beyond what is normally provided by the industry is not required.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96.
62-610.660 Cross-Connection Control and Protection of the Reclaimed Water Supply.
(1) No cross-connections to potable water systems shall be allowed
(2) For all systems, there shall be readily identifiable “non-potable” or “do not drink” notices, marking, or coding on
application/distribution facilities and appurtenances.
(3) Protection of Reclaimed Water Supply.
(a) The return of reclaimed water to the reclaimed water distribution system after the reclaimed water has been delivered to an
industrial facility is prohibited. This prohibition shall not apply to industrial sites which were using reclaimed water before January
1, 1996, or which were identified as future users of reclaimed water in a complete permit application received by the Department
before January 1, 1996.
(b) The permittee shall conduct an evaluation of the potential for cross-connections and backflow to the reclaimed water
distribution system. This analysis shall include an evaluation of the types of substances present at the industrial site which could
potentially backflow into the reclaimed water system and the risk associated with possible backflow. The applicant shall evaluate the
need for backflow prevention devices on the reclaimed water connection to the industrial facility. This analysis shall be included in
the engineering report. A backflow prevention device shall be provided on the reclaimed water service connection to the industrial
site, unless the evaluation in the engineering report provides reasonable assurances that there is minimal risk of cross-connection or
backflow with contamination of the reclaimed water supply. This requirement for backflow prevention devices shall not apply t o
industrial sites which were using reclaimed water before January 1, 1996 or which were identified as future users of reclaimed water
in a complete permit application received by the Department before January 1, 1996.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Amended 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.660, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.662 Setback Distances.
(1) Except as provided in subsections 62-610.662(2), (3), or (4), F.A.C., setback distances from the industrial process or activity
to the site property line are not required.
(2) If reclaimed water which meets the requirements of Part II of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., is used to irrigate landscaped areas on
the industrial site, the setback distance requirements in Rule 62-610.421, F.A.C., shall apply.
(3) If reclaimed water which meets the requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., is used to irrigate landscaped areas
on the industrial site, the setback distance requirements in Rule 62-610.471, F.A.C., shall apply.
(4) A 300-foot setback distance shall be provided from an open cooling tower that receives reclaimed water to the site property
line. If the full requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., or of paragraph 62-610.668(2)(d), F.A.C., are met, no setback
distance from the cooling tower to the site property line shall be required.
(5) Unless specifically stated otherwise, all setback distances shall be measured horizontally.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.668 Cooling Water Applications.
(1) Once-through cooling.
(a) Reclaimed water may be used for once-through cooling.
(b) Setback distances shall be as established in Rule 62-610.662, F.A.C.
(c) Reclaimed water, upon flowing out of the once-through, non-contact, cooling system, that is returned to the domestic
wastewater facilities for additional treatment or disposal or reuse, shall be defined to be a “domestic wastewater.” This definition is
made solely for the purposes of classifying wastewater treatment, reuse, and effluent disposal facilities associated with the domestic
wastewater facilities. This definition shall apply only if the sole change to the quality of the reclaimed water during the once-
through, non-contact, cooling process is a temperature increase, and conditioning chemicals, other than chlorine and other chemicals
accepted by the Department, have not been added to the reclaimed water.
(d) Reclaimed water which has not been disinfected may be used for once-through cooling purposes at industrial facilities if the
following conditions are met:
1. The reclaimed water has received at least secondary treatment as defined in subparagraph 62-600.420(1)(b)2., F.A.C.
2. The reclaimed water is conveyed and used in closed systems which are not open to the atmosphere.
3. The reclaimed water is returned to the domestic wastewater treatment facility.
(e) Water used for once-through cooling under the provisions of paragraph 62-610.668(1)(d), F.A.C., shall be considered
“reclaimed water” and the use of this water shall be considered “reuse.”
(2) Open cooling towers.
(a) Reclaimed water may be used in open cooling towers, if the requirements in paragraphs 62-610.668(2)(b), (c), or (d), F.A.C.,
are met.
(b) All requirements of Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., including minimum system size requirements, shall be met.
(c) As an alternative to the requirements in paragraph 62-610.668(2)(b), F.A.C., all of the following requirements shall apply:
1. Preapplication waste treatment shall result in a reclaimed water that meets secondary treatment and basic disinfection.
2. A 300-foot setback distance shall be provided from the cooling tower that receives reclaimed water to the site property line.
3. The cooling tower shall be designed and operated to minimize aerosol drift to areas beyond the site property line that are
accessible to the public.
4. The cooling tower shall be designed, operated, and maintained utilizing best engineering practices to control biological
growth.
(d) As an alternative to the requirements in paragraph 62-610.668(2)(b), F.A.C., all of the following requirements shall be met
in the facility’s industrial wastewater permit:
1. The high-level disinfection requirements of subsection 62-600.440(5), F.A.C.
2. The filtration requirements of subsection 62-610.460(3), F.A.C.
3. The continuous monitoring requirements of subsection 62-610.463(2), F.A.C.
4. In lieu of the operation, staffing, and reliability provisions in Rule 62-610.462, F.A.C., operation, maintenance, staffing and
reliability requirements shall be addressed in the facility’s industrial wastewater permit in accordance with applicable industrial
wastewater rules.
5. The cooling tower shall be designed, operated, and maintained utilizing best engineering practices to control biological
growth.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 1-9-96, Amended 8-8-99.
62-610.669 Use of Reclaimed Water at Wastewater Treatment Plants.
(1) For purposes of this rule, a domestic wastewater treatment plant shall be considered a type of “industrial site.” Reclaimed
water or partially treated wastewater used for various useful purposes at a domestic wastewater treatment plant shall retain its
identity as a domestic reclaimed water or domestic wastewater.
(2) Reclaimed water may be used to irrigate landscaped areas at the wastewater treatment plant.
(a) If the reclaimed water has received secondary treatment and basic disinfection, the requirements of Part II of this chapter,
including setback distance requirements, shall be met. Reclaimed water meeting the secondary treatment definition contained in
subparagraph 62-600.420(1)(b)2., F.A.C., may be used for this irrigation. Storage shall not be required.
(b) If the reclaimed water meets the treatment and disinfection requirements in Part III of this chapter, the irrigation shall be
regulated under Part III.
(3) Reclaimed water may be used for process, wash down, or other purposes at the wastewater treatment plant.
(4) Reclaimed water may be used for toilet flushing or fire protection purposes at the wastewater treatment plant.
(5) Uses of reclaimed water described in subsection 62-610.669(2) through (4), F.A.C., shall be considered as reuse.
(6) Partially treated or undisinfected wastewater may be used for process water or other purposes at the wastewater treatment
plant if the wastewater is collected after use and returned to the wastewater treatment plant for additional treatment or disinfection.
Use of partially treated wastewater shall not be classified as reuse, unless the water has received a minimum of secondary treatment
as defined in subparagraph 62-600.420(1)(b)2., F.A.C. Water that has received a minimum of secondary treatment as defined in
subparagraph 62-600.420(1)(b)2., F.A.C. (with or without disinfection), which is used for a beneficial purpose under this paragraph
shall be considered “reclaimed water” and the use shall be considered “reuse.” Partially treated wastewater which does not meet the
minimum treatment and disinfection criteria established in Chapter 62-600 and 62-610, F.A.C., shall not be released to the
environment.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 1-9-96.
62-610.670 Industrial Discharge Limitations.
(1) Disposal or reuse of industrial wastewater resulting from the use of reclaimed water or other water sources in industrial
processes shall be subject to Department regulation under the industrial wastewater program. Chapter 62-650, F.A.C., and
Department rules governing industrial wastewater, as contained in Chapters 62-4, 62-302, 62-520, 62-521, 62-522, 62-620, 62-621,
62-650, 62-660, 62-670, 62-671, 62-672, and 62-673, F.A.C., shall apply.
(2) Reclaimed water used for once-through cooling shall have effluent discharge limitations for surface water discharge
established by Section 403.086(4), F.S., if all the following conditions are met:
(a) The reclaimed water delivered to the industrial site meets the requirements contained in Section 403.086(4), F.S.
(b) The discharge to surface water is located within the geographic area defined in Section 403.086(1)(c), F.S.
(c) The only change to the quality of the reclaimed water during the once-through, non-contact, cooling process is a temperature
increase.
(d) Conditioning chemicals, other than chlorine and other chemicals accepted by the Department, have not been added.
(e) Department rules governing thermal discharges in Rule 62-302.520 and paragraph 62-620.106(1)(f), F.A.C., will apply at the
discharge point.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 17-610.670, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.800 Permitting Requirements.
(1) Construction, modification, or operation of reuse or land application systems requires a permit from the Department in
accordance with Chapter 62-620, F.A.C., and with this chapter.
(2) The permittee shall comply with applicable design and performance criteria pursuant to this chapter and the permitting
requirements contained in Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
(3) Reuse/land application permits shall be combined with the permit for the wastewater treatment plant.
(4) A separate reuse/land application permit shall be issued only if the reuse/land application system receives reclaimed water or
effluent from more than one domestic wastewater treatment facility. The reuse/land application permit shall cross-reference the
appropriate wastewater treatment plant permits.
(a) If requested by an applicant having responsibility for the reuse system and one or more of the domestic wastewater treatmen t
facilities providing reclaimed water to the reuse system, the reuse/land application permit shall be combined with the permit for one
of the treatment facilities.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an end user of reclaimed water to obtain a separate reuse/land
application permit.
(5) Implementation of Slow-Rate Land Application Projects in Public Access Areas, Residential Irrigation, and Edible Crop
Irrigation.
(a) The reuse/land application permit for a project regulated by Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall meet the requirements
of Rules 62-620.310 and 62-620.630, F.A.C.
(b) A general permit pursuant to Rule 62-610.890, F.A.C., is needed for the addition of a new major user that is not identified in
the existing permit and is located within the area designated in an existing permit. This general permit shall only be used if the
permittee does not request modification of the permitted capacity.
(c) The permit shall identify the area expected to be serviced with reclaimed water during the next 10 years. The reclaimed
water service area shall be updated in the permit with permit renewals. The permitted capacity shall be based on the anticipated
highest annual demand for reclaimed water from within this service area during the five-year permit period.
(6) Record drawings.
(a) Record drawings are required for reuse and land application systems as discussed in Rule 62-620.630, F.A.C.
(b) For projects permitted under Parts III or VII of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., record drawings are not required for facilities
located on individual sites using reclaimed water. It is recommended, but not required, that permittees and users of reclaimed water
maintain record drawings or other detailed records of the locations of reclaimed water facilities located on these sites.
(7) Placing a Facility in Operation.
(a) The permittee shall obtain written approval from the Department before placing the initial part, portion, or phase of a reuse
system permitted under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., into operation. Written application shall be made using Form 62-
610.300(4)(a)3. Requirements for placing the reuse system into operation are contained in Rule 62-620.630, F.A.C. Approval shall
be granted if the requirements in Rule 62-620.630, F.A.C., are met.
(b) Requirements for placing reuse and land application systems permitted under Parts II, IV, V, VI, or VII of Chapter 62-610,
F.A.C., into operation are contained in Rule 62-620.630, F.A.C.
(8) Backup discharge permitting. There are several mechanisms for obtaining permits for surface water discharges which will
serve as backup discharges for reuse systems. These include:
(a) The normal procedures for obtaining a surface water discharge permit using the provisions of Chapter 62-650, F.A.C. Upon
request, discharge limitations can be developed on a seasonal basis.
(b) The limited wet weather discharge provisions in Rule 62-610.860, F.A.C. This mechanism has potential application for
inland projects where the receiving water provides sufficient dilution.
(c) Section 403.086(5), F.S., provides minimum treatment standards for all surface water discharges located within the
geographic area specified in Section 403.086(1)(c), F.S. Advanced wastewater treatment is required.
(d) The Florida APRICOT Act, contained in Section 403.086(7), F.S., allows backup discharges anywhere in the state, if the
requirements in Section 403.086(7), F.S., are met.
(9) Abnormal Events.
(a) Abnormal events shall be regulated under the “bypass” and “upset” provisions in Rule 62-620.610, F.A.C.
(b) Discharges permitted pursuant to Rule 62-610.860, F.A.C., as a limited wet weather discharge shall not be considered as
abnormal events.
(10) Water Management District Coordination.
(a) Domestic wastewater permits issued by the Department shall be consistent with requirements for reuse included in
applicable consumptive use permits issued by the water management district, if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The requirements for reuse in the consumptive use permit are consistent with Department rules in Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
2. The domestic wastewater treatment facilities are located within, or serve a population located within, or discharge within a
water resource caution area.
3. The domestic wastewater treatment facilities are owned, operated, or controlled by a local government or utility which has
responsibility for water supply and wastewater management, and the consumptive use permit containing the requirements for reuse
was issued to this local government or utility.
(b) Applicants meeting the conditions in paragraph 62-610.800(10)(a), F.A.C., shall include copies of applicable consumptive
use permits with their application for a domestic wastewater permit.
(11) For aquifer storage and recovery projects regulated under Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C., and ground water recharge projects
regulated under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., which require characterization of the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration
of ground water contained in the aquifer receiving reclaimed water, this characterization shall be made at the time of the initial
permit application. Normally, this TDS characterization will be based on best available information. If available information is not
sufficient to classify a proposed project based on the TDS at the point of injection, an exploratory well program shall be conducted
before submittal of the engineering report in order to make a definitive determination of TDS at the point of injection. For injection
to G-II ground water, the TDS determination shall be made at the point of injection and will not consider TDS in contiguous ground
waters. The TDS determination made at the time of the initial permit application shall remain unchanged, even if the injection of
reclaimed water alters the TDS concentration over a period of time.
(12) The permittee is responsible for ensuring that:
(a) Reclaimed water delivered to users of reclaimed water is of acceptable quality for the intended uses at the point of delivery;
and
(b) Reclaimed water is used in a manner that is consistent with this chapter and with the permit, such that public health and
environmental quality will be protected.
(13) The Department encourages utilities implementing reuse projects to meter and charge for the use of reclaimed water as
described in Section 403.064(16), F.S.
(14) The Department encourages efficient and effective use of reclaimed water featuring relatively high potable quality water
offset or recharge fractions as described in Table 5 in the publication entitled, Water Reuse for Florida: Strategies for Effective Use
of Reclaimed Water.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087, 403.0881 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087,
403.088, 403.0881 FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.800, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.810 Classification of Projects as “Reuse” or “Disposal”.
(1) This section contains the criteria to be used by the Department in classifying projects or portions of projects as “reuse” or
“effluent disposal.”
(2) Reuse projects. The following shall be classified as “reuse:”
(a) Slow-rate land application projects with restricted access permitted under Part II of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(b) Projects permitted under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(c) Rapid-rate land application systems permitted under Part IV of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be classified as “reuse” for
ground water recharge.
(d) Projects making reclaimed water from domestic wastewater sources available for industrial applications, as described in Part
VII of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(e) Ground water recharge projects permitted under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(f) Indirect potable reuse projects permitted under Part V of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(g) Wetlands creation, restoration, and enhancement projects, if the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that
reclaimed water will be used to create, restore, or enhance wetlands. The wetlands creation, restoration, or enhancement aspects
shall be described in detail and documented.
(h) Other uses.
1. Other uses specifically addressed in Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., such as toilet flushing, fire protection, construction
dust control, aesthetic purposes, and recreational uses, shall be classified as “reuse.”
2. Other uses not addressed elsewhere in Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall be classified as “reuse” if the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration that reclaimed water will be used for a beneficial purpose or the use of reclaimed water will eliminate the
need for use of a potable water or a water that could be used as a source of potable water.
(i) Projects previously identified as “reuse.” All projects or portions of projects included in the Department's 1992 reuse
inventory shall be classified as “reuse.”
(3) Effluent disposal projects. The following shall be classified as “effluent disposal:”
(a) Projects which do not meet the criteria established in subsection 62-610.810(2), F.A.C.
(b) Overland flow systems permitted under Part VI of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., unless the final reclaimed water produced by the
overland flow system is subsequently used for a beneficial purpose and meets the criteria in subsection 62-610.810(2), F.A.C.
(c) On-site systems permitted by the Department of Health under Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., including septic tanks.
(d) Ground water disposal systems using Class I wells injecting into Class G-IV ground waters.
(e) Continuously loaded rapid-rate land application systems or absorption fields, unless they meet the criteria for ground water
recharge or indirect potable reuse systems established in subsection 62-610.810(2), F.A.C., or meet the requirements of Rule 62-
610.525, F.A.C.
(f) Rapid-rate land application systems using perimeter drainage features or underdrains which collect and discharge more than
50 percent of the applied reclaimed water, as discussed in Rule 62-610.517, F.A.C.
(4) Wetlands creation, restoration, or enhancement projects shall be reviewed with each permit renewal. The applicant for
permit renewal shall submit with the application for permit renewal documentation that the project continues to function as designed
and that the wetlands creation, restoration, or enhancement aspects remain applicable. If the documentation does not provide an
affirmative demonstration that the wetlands creation, restoration, and enhancement attributes of the project continue, the Department
shall reclassify the project as “effluent disposal” and shall require submittal of an antidegradation demonstration meeting the
requirements of Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(5) All domestic wastewater permits issued by the Department shall include designation of each portion of the project as either
“reuse” or “effluent disposal” and shall list the permitted capacity associated with each portion of the project and the total permitted
capacity for the entire project. All permitted capacities shall include the time frame (e.g., annual average daily flow, maximum
monthly average daily flow, three-month average daily flow), as required by subsection 62-600.400(3), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.0881 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086,
403.087, 403.088, 403.0881 FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.810, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.820 Reuse Feasibility Studies.
(1) Reuse feasibility studies are required by the following:
(a) Section 403.064, F.S., for domestic wastewater facilities located within, serving a population within, or discharging within
designated water resource caution areas.
(b) The Indian River Lagoon system and Basin Act, contained in Chapter 90-262, Laws of Florida.
(c) The antidegradation policy in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C., for new or expanded surface water discharges.
(d) By rules of the applicable water management district.
(2) The applicant is encouraged to contact the appropriate district office of the Department of Environmental Protection before
preparing a reuse feasibility study to discuss reuse in the area and to develop and agree upon the reuse alternatives to be evaluated in
the reuse feasibility study.
(3) Applicants meeting both of the following conditions are not required to submit reuse feasibility studies with permit
applications for domestic wastewater facilities:
(a) The only rule or statute that requires preparation of a reuse feasibility study is Section 403.064, F.S., and
(b) One of the following conditions exists:
1. The domestic wastewater treatment facility has an existing or proposed permitted capacity, whichever is larger, less than 0.1
mgd, or
2. The permitted reuse capacity associated with the domestic wastewater treatment facility equals or exceeds the total existing or
proposed permitted capacity, whichever is larger, of the domestic wastewater treatment facility.
(4) Reuse feasibility studies required by one or more of the items listed in paragraphs 62-610.820(1)(a), (b), or (c), F.A.C., when
being prepared by or on behalf of a local government or utility which has responsibility for domestic wastewater management, shall
be prepared in accordance with paragraph 62-610.300(1)(l), F.A.C.
(5) The Department shall approve deviations or modifications from the required format or content specified in paragraph 62-
610.300(1)(l), F.A.C., for a reuse feasibility study, if the alternative format or study content provides the same level of evaluation as
specified in paragraph 62-610.300(1)(l), F.A.C. Some examples of areas of possible deviations or modifications include: alternatives
to be evaluated; definitions of the levels of reuse to be evaluated; methods of evaluating rates and fees; allocation of costs to all
benefitted parties; consideration of other alternative investments to achieve goals (ASR, conservation, others); methods of valuing
water saved, including possible adjustments for periods when water supplies are sufficient without the reclaimed water system; and
presentation formats. Multiple types of reuse may be combined to formulate alternatives for evaluation.
(6) Reuse feasibility studies shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer registered in Florida.
(7) A reuse feasibility study shall be submitted as follows:
(a) Three copies to the appropriate Department of Environmental Protection district office.
(b) One copy to the appropriate water management district.
(8) Subsection 403.064(5), F.S., states that a reuse feasibility study prepared for the Department under Subsection 403.064(2),
F.S., satisfies a water management district requirement to conduct a reuse feasibility study imposed on a local government or utility
that has responsibility for wastewater management. As a result, local governments or utilities located within, serving a population
within, or discharging within a designated water resource caution area, which are preparing a reuse feasibility study in response to
one or more of the items identified in paragraphs 62-610.820(1)(a), (b), or (c), F.A.C., are encouraged, but shall not be required b y
the Department, to do the following as part of their reuse feasibility study:
(a) Contact the appropriate water management district before initiation of the feasibility study to discuss water management in
the area, to obtain information about the water management district’s reuse priorities for the area, and to identify any additional
alternatives which the water management district would like to be evaluated in the reuse feasibility study.
(b) If additional alternatives are identified by the water management district, the applicant is encouraged, but shall not be
required by the Department, to evaluate these alternatives using the methods specified in paragraph 62-610.300(1)(l), F.A.C.
(9) Utilities interested in pursuing funding from the state revolving loan fund for reuse projects are encouraged to incorporate
the results of the reuse feasibility study into the appropriate facilities plan.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087,
403.0877, 403.088 FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.820, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.830 Storage Lakes and Ponds.
(1) Lakes, ponds, and other surface waters may be used to store reclaimed water as part of reuse systems permitted under Part
III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Lakes included under this rule include golf course lakes, stormwater ponds, and other lakes or ponds
used as decorative features.
(2) If these storage lakes are waters of the state, the discharge into the lakes must be permitted under Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
Discharge limits shall be established using the provisions in Chapter 62-650, F.A.C. The discharge shall be subject to the
requirements of the antidegradation policy in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(3) If these storage lakes discharge intermittently or continuously to waters of the state, the discharge into the lakes must be
permitted under Chapter 62-620, F.A.C. Discharge limits shall be established using the provisions in Chapter 62-650, F.A.C. The
discharge shall be subject to the requirements of the antidegradation policy in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C.
(4) Storage lakes which are part of the stormwater management system.
(a) The applicant shall provide written concurrence from the permitting agency responsible for the environmental resource
permit/management and storage of surface water program stating that the lakes have sufficient volume to serve in both stormwater
management and reclaimed water storage capacities. The permitting agency responsible for the environmental resource permit/
management and storage of surface water program shall establish the control elevation for the storage lake such that the volume
required for stormwater management will be available above this control elevation.
(b) Discharge of reclaimed water to the storage lake shall be allowed only during periods when the level of water in the lake is
below the control elevation.
(c) Technology based effluent limitations (TBELs) shall be imposed on the discharge of reclaimed water to the storage lake.
The TBEL will be established based on the treatment and disinfection requirements in Rule 62-610.460, F.A.C.
(d) The permittee shall be responsible for recording the frequency and duration of discharges out of the storage lake into waters
of the state.
(e) Subsection 62-610.830(4), F.A.C., is applicable only to lakes that are not waters of the state and discharge intermittently t o
waters of the state.
(5) Discharge of reclaimed water to isolated storage lakes which do not discharge to waters of the state do not require a permit
under Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
(6) Storage lakes regulated under Rule 62-610.830, F.A.C., shall be included in the inventory of storage systems required by
subsection 62-610.464(5), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.0881 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881 FS.
History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.830, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.
62-610.850 Protection of Surface Water and Ground Water Quality.
(1) Protection of surface water quality.
(a) Reuse and land application projects shall not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards in surface waters.
(b) Projects having point source discharges, such as overland flow projects permitted under Part VI of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.,
and underdrained slow-rate and rapid-rate land application systems, shall be subject to all applicable discharge and permitting
requirements contained in Department rules, including the following:
1. Permitting requirements and effluent or reclaimed water limits in Chapter 62-620, F.A.C.
2. Permitting requirements and effluent or reclaimed water limits in Chapter 62-600, F.A.C.
3. WQBEL provisions imposed by Chapter 62-650, F.A.C.
4. Permitting requirements and effluent or reclaimed water limits imposed by Chapter 62-611, F.A.C.
5. Outstanding Florida Waters provisions in Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.
6. Effluent or reclaimed water limits imposed by Section 403.086(4), F.S., for discharges within the area identified in Section
403.086(1)(c), F.S.
7. Effluent or reclaimed water limits imposed by Chapter 90-262, Laws of Florida, for discharges within the area identified in
Chapter 90-262, Laws of Florida.
8. Compliance with water quality standards established in Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.
9. Compliance with the antidegradation policy contained in Chapters 62-4 and 62-302, F.A.C.
(c) Ground water discharges from reuse or land application projects which flow by interflow and affect water quality in surface
waters shall not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards in surface waters.
(d) The engineering report shall provide reasonable assurances that surface water quality standards contained in Chapter 62-302,
F.A.C., will be met. If water quality standards cannot be met, additional treatment or disinfection shall be provided or othe r
operational control measures shall be implemented.
(2) Protection of Ground Water Quality.
(a) Reuse and land application projects shall be designed and operated to ensure compliance with ground water quality
standards contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.
(b) The engineering report shall provide reasonable assurances that ground water standards will be met.
(c) If the applicant is unable to provide reasonable assurances in the engineering report that the minimum preapplication
treatment and disinfection requirements contained in Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are sufficient to ensure compliance with the ground
water quality standards, the applicant shall do the following in the engineering report:
1. Propose additional treatment or disinfection or other operational controls designed to ensure compliance with the ground
water quality standards.
2. Provide reasonable assurances that the additional treatment or disinfection or other operational control measures will ensure
compliance with the ground water quality standards.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.0881 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881 FS.
History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.850, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.860 Limited Wet Weather Discharge.
(1) The Department encourages implementation of reuse of reclaimed water programs. Demand for reclaimed waters normally
declines during wet weather periods. During such wet weather periods, surface water stream flows normally increase. Allowing
limited wet weather discharge of excess reclaimed waters during such wet weather periods will facilitate implementation of reuse
projects. Therefore, persons implementing reuse projects are authorized to seek approval for limited wet weather discharges a s
described below.
(2) An applicant requesting a permit for a limited wet weather discharge shall include the following information in the
engineering report:
(a) A map showing the locations of the point of discharge and of the proposed receiving stream.
(b) Descriptions and locations of downstream lakes, estuaries, reservoirs, Outstanding Florida Waters, or Class I waters.
(c) An analysis of the historic records for daily rainfall for a period of record covering at least the most recent 20 years, using
climatic data that are available from, or are representative of, the area involved. This shall include calculation of the average annual
rainfall.
(d) An analysis of the historic records for stream flow in the proposed receiving stream.
(e) Estimates of time of travel from the proposed point of limited wet weather discharge to downstream lakes, estuaries,
reservoirs, Outstanding Florida Waters, or Class I waters during periods when limited wet weather discharge would occur.
(f) Analysis of the proposed operation of the reuse, storage, and limited wet weather discharge systems including identification
of the proposed operating schedule, frequency of limited wet weather discharge, duration of limited wet weather discharge, quantity
of reclaimed water to be discharged, quality of the reclaimed water to be discharged, and the flow in the receiving stream during
limited wet weather discharge periods. The analysis shall be conducted for a year from the historic record which had rainfall that
was within 10 percent of the average annual rainfall (referred to as “the average rainfall year”).
(g) Calculation of the required minimum stream dilution factor as follows:
SDF = P(0.085 CBOD5 + 0.272 TKN - 0.484)
Where:
SDF = minimum required stream dilution factor (dimensionless),
P = percent of the days of the year that limited wet weather discharge will occur during an average rainfall year
(e.g. if discharge will occur on 73 days; P = 100% × (73/365) = 20; if P is less than 1, use P = 1),
CBOD5 = the treatment facility's design monthly maximum limitation for CBOD5 in milligrams per liter,
TKN = the treatment facility's design monthly maximum limitation for TKN expressed in milligrams per liter of
nitrogen.
(h) Documentation required by the antidegradation policy in Rules 62-4.242 and 62-302.300, F.A.C., if the limited wet weather
discharge will be a new or expanded surface water discharge.
(i) If the minimum stream dilution factor calculated in paragraph 62-610.860(2)(g), F.A.C., is less than 1.0, the minimum stream
dilution factor shall be set equal to 1.0.
(3) Limited wet weather discharge for a reuse project shall be permitted without the need for a WQBEL or other water quality
analyses only if all of the following requirements are met:
(a) The anticipated frequency of limited wet weather discharge (P) during the average rainfall year shall not exceed 25 percent
which is equivalent to 91 days during the year;
(b) The actual stream dilution ratio during periods when the limited wet weather discharge is activated shall be equal to or
greater than the minimum required stream dilution factor;
(c) The receiving water body is a Class III, IV, or V stream with a downstream travel time during periods of limited wet weathe r
discharge that is at least 24 hours to any lake, estuary, reservoir, Outstanding Florida Water, or Class I water. If this minimum travel
time requirement is not met, a limited wet weather discharge shall be permitted if the stream flow is at least the minimum required
stream dilution factor times the limited wet weather discharge flow multiplied by a factor equal to 24 hours divided by the travel
time in hours. If the minimum travel time requirement is not met, the stream dilution factor multiplied by a factor equal to 24 hours
divided by the travel time will be referred to as “the adjusted stream dilution factor”;
(d) The receiving water body at the immediate point of discharge shall not be a lake, estuary, reservoir, Outstanding Florida
Water, or Class I water; and
(e) The reuse system is a slow-rate land application system regulated by Part II or III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(4) If the conditions described in subsection 62-610.860(3), F.A.C., are not met, a WQBEL analysis pursuant to Chapter 62-650,
F.A.C., shall be required for a surface water discharge that serves as a backup disposal method for a reuse system.
(5) A limited wet weather discharge into a controlled canal system is allowed if the canal system is flowing during the periods
of discharge and all other requirements of this rule, including the minimum dilution requirements, are met during all periods of
discharge.
(6) Dechlorination requirements apply to limited wet weather discharges. Discharged flows which have been retained in a
storage system for a minimum of three days shall be presumed to meet the total chlorine residual limitation for dechlorination, as
long as additional chlorination has not been provided after the storage facility.
(7) A stream gauging station shall be furnished at a point upstream of the discharge point. In cases where stream gauging is not
possible, the applicant shall provide an affirmative demonstration that alternative means of measuring or estimating flows and
dilution provide reasonable assurances that the dilution requirements in Rule 62-610.860, F.A.C., will be met during periods of
discharge.
(8) The permit for a limited wet weather discharge shall include the following:
(a) Maximum monthly average limitations for CBOD5 and TKN in the effluent discharged;
(b) Minimum stream dilution factor, or adjusted minimum stream dilution factor, if required by paragraph 62-610.860(3)(c),
F.A.C.;
(c) The expected frequency (P) of discharge during an average rainfall year, expressed as a percentage; and
(d) The average annual rainfall.
(9) A reuse system having a permit for a limited wet weather discharge shall report the following to the Department monthly:
(a) A list of days on which limited wet weather discharge to the surface receiving water body occurred;
(b) The stream flow in the receiving water body upstream of the limited wet weather discharge on the days of discharge;
(c) The flow rate of the limited wet weather discharge on the days of discharge;
(d) The resulting stream dilution ratio (stream flow divided by limited wet weather discharge flow) for each day of discharge;
(e) The CBOD5 and TKN concentrations of the effluent being discharged;
(f) An explanation of any factors contributing to the limited wet weather discharge;
(g) The cumulative number of days during the calendar year during which the limited wet weather discharge was activated; and
(h) The month’s rainfall and the cumulative rainfall during the calendar year during which the limited wet weather discharge
was activated.
(10) The minimum stream dilution factor, or adjusted minimum stream dilution factor, as required by paragraph 62-
610.860(3)(c), F.A.C., shall be an enforceable permit condition and shall apply on each day during which the limited wet weather
discharge is activated. The permittee may discharge a volume greater than the permitted capacity of the reuse or treatment facility if
the stream dilution ratio during the period of discharge equals or exceeds the minimum stream dilution factor, or adjusted minimum
stream dilution factor, as required by paragraph 62-610.860(3)(c), F.A.C., whichever is greater.
(11) The permit limits for CBOD5 and TKN shall apply as maximum monthly average limits for each month during which the
limited wet weather discharge was activated. Only CBOD5 and TKN values obtained during days on which the limited wet weather
discharge was activated shall be used to calculate the monthly average CBOD5 and TKN in the effluent.
(12) The expected frequency of discharge (P) is not an enforceable permit limit. It is expected that during years having rainfall
greater than average the frequency of discharge may be greater than P. During years having rainfall less than average, the frequency
of discharge normally will be less than P. However, under no circumstances shall the limited wet weather discharge be activated on
more than 150 days during any one calendar year.
(13) The Department may revoke the permit for the limited wet weather discharge if the permittee discharges when the stream
dilution ratio is less than the minimum required stream dilution factor or minimum adjusted stream dilution factor, whichever is
greater, justified in the engineering report or if the limited wet weather discharge results in a significant adverse effect on the
receiving stream.
(14) A limited wet weather discharge is not an emergency discharge pursuant to Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. A limited wet weather
discharge is not an abnormal event pursuant to Rules 62-600.750 and 62-610.880, F.A.C.
(15) Form 62-620.910(2) shall be used to apply for a permit to construct or operate a limited wet weather discharge. The permit
application may be combined with an application for a reuse/land application system or for a treatment plant.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.08 8
FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.860, Amended 1-9-96.
62-610.865 Blending of Demineralization Concentrate with Reclaimed Water.
(1) Within this chapter, the term “concentrate” will be used synonymously with “demineralization concentrate.” The
Department shall classify demineralization concentrate as a “potable water byproduct,” and not as an “industrial wastewater.”
(2) Rule 62-610.865, F.A.C., applies to projects, for which complete permit applications which request authorization to blend
concentrate with reclaimed water were received by the Department on or after August 8, 1999. Rule 62-610.865, F.A.C., also shall
apply to existing projects which are being expanded or modified; however, these rule requirements shall only apply to the expanded
or modified portion of the project.
(3) Demineralization concentrate may be blended with reclaimed water which will be used in reuse systems regulated under
Parts II, III, IV, and VII of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., if all of the requirements of Rule 62-610.865, F.A.C., and the appropriate part of
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., are met.
(4) Permittees wishing to blend demineralization concentrate with reclaimed water are urged to proceed cautiously. Concentrate
typically contains elevated concentrations of dissolved solids and inorganic constituents, which normally are not removed from the
reclaimed water as it travels through the unsaturated or saturated zones beneath the Earth’s surface. As a result, the ability of a reuse
or land application project to meet ground water quality criteria at the edge of the zone of discharge shall be addressed in the
engineering report. Elevated concentrations of dissolved solids and salts may harm sensitive vegetation being grown on the reuse or
land application site and may decrease the hydraulic capacity of reuse and land application sites, especially where reclaimed water
will be used to irrigate landscape areas and edible food crops, as allowed by Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(5) Engineering report.
(a) The engineering report shall provide reasonable assurances that ground water criteria contained in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C.,
will be met at the edge of the zone of discharge.
(b) The engineering report shall provide reasonable assurances that the blend will not harm vegetation or crops grown on the
reuse or land application sites and that the blend will not impair the ability of the site to function as intended. Salt tolerances of
vegetation found in the reuse or land application system shall be evaluated.
(c) The engineering report shall evaluate the potential for salts and other constituents in the concentrate to adversely affect the
infiltration/percolation capabilities of the soils in the reuse system. If the sodium adsorption ratio in the blend approaches or exceeds
15, it is recommended that sodicity hazards and impacts on soil infiltration/percolation be addressed in detail in the engineering
report based on input from individuals having expertise in soils science.
(d) The engineering report shall evaluate the ability of the reuse system to protect public health.
(e) The engineering report shall examine constraints needed to ensure compliance with water quality standards and to ensure
protection of environmental quality, public health, site vegetation, and the ability of reuse and land application sites to function as
intended.
(f) The engineering report shall characterize the reclaimed water, concentrate, and blend.
(g) The engineering report shall include recommendations for a minimum blend ratio. This minimum blend ratio shall be
justified based on the considerations described in subsection 62-610.865(5), F.A.C.
(6) Demineralization concentrate, reclaimed water, and blend quality.
(a) The applicant shall evaluate the tolerances of vegetation grown in areas to receive reclaimed water to constituents contained
in the concentrate and the blend. The applicant shall evaluate potential affects of the blend on the soils to which the blend will be
applied. These evaluations shall be included in an affirmative demonstration in the engineering report that the blend can be applied
to the land and vegetation in an acceptable manner which will not harm the vegetation or impair the soil’s ability to accommodate
the applied blend. The applicant shall establish limitations on total dissolved solids, chlorides, and sodium adsorption ratio in the
blend to protect vegetation, soils, and ground water quality. The Department shall incorporate these limitations into the permit as
single sample maxima limitations for the blend.
(b) The reclaimed water shall meet all requirements of the appropriate part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., at a point upstream from
the addition of the concentrate.
(c) The blend shall meet all requirements of the appropriate part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., at the point where it is introduced
into the reclaimed water conveyance or distribution system.
(d) The permit shall include a minimum blend ratio which shall be equaled or exceeded at all times.
(7) Permitting.
(a) Separate domestic wastewater and concentrate permits shall be issued, except as provided for in paragraph 62-610.865(7)(b),
F.A.C. The concentrate permit holder shall be responsible for the quality of the concentrate, monitoring of the concentrate, and
facilities associated with the storage and conveyance of the concentrate. The concentrate permit holder shall be responsible for
hydrogen sulfide control, if needed. The domestic permit holder shall be responsible for treatment, disinfection, storage, quality, and
monitoring of the reclaimed water. The domestic wastewater permit holder shall be responsible for the quality, monitoring,
conveyance, and application of the blend and for all monitoring at the reuse and land application sites.
(b) A single domestic wastewater permit shall be issued if a single municipality or utility owns and operates both the domestic
wastewater facilities and the water treatment facilities which generate the concentrate.
(c) In the case where separate domestic and concentrate permits are issued, the domestic wastewater permittee shall execute a n
agreement with the concentrate permittee to ensure acceptable project performance. The agreement shall address the quality and
quantity of the concentrate, system operation, storage requirements, monitoring, sharing of information, quality control, and
remedies in the event problems develop. Remedies shall include provisions for terminating the service of accepting the concentrate
if problems develop.
(d) Permit fees for the domestic wastewater permit shall be based on the sum of the capacity of the domestic wastewater facility
(without the introduction of the concentrate) and the maximum anticipated flow of the concentrate.
(e) Adding concentrate to the reclaimed water at an existing domestic wastewater facility and reuse system shall be considere d
as a modification which will subject the reuse facilities to the requirements of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.
(8) Monitoring.
(a) Reclaimed water shall be monitored as required by the appropriate part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Monitoring requirements
in Chapter 62-601, F.A.C., shall apply.
(b) Flows shall be monitored continuously in two locations. The flow of the concentrate shall be monitored continuously. In
addition, either the flow of the reclaimed water (before blending) or the flow of the blend shall be continuously monitored. The
blend ratio shall be calculated continuously.
(c) The blend shall be monitored continuously for specific conductance. The results of this monitoring shall be used to make
continuous judgments of the quality of the blend related to inorganic constituents of the blend (such as total dissolved solids and
chlorides).
(d) Continuous monitoring equipment shall be equipped with an automated data logging or recording device. Continuous
monitoring equipment shall be maintained according to the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions. Continuous
monitoring equipment shall be calibrated according to the requirements of Chapters 62-160 and 62-601, F.A.C.
(e) The blend shall be monitored as required by the appropriate part of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. Monitoring requirements in
Chapter 62-601, F.A.C., shall apply to the blend. Total suspended solids, fluoride, total dissolved solids, chlorides, pH, and sodium
adsorption ratio shall be monitored weekly in the blend. Additional parameters to be sampled and analyzed for in the blend on a
weekly basis shall be established in the permit based on characterization of the concentrate and the blend contained in the
engineering report. After the first year of operation, the Department shall reduce the sampling frequency if the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration that ground water standards will be met and that site vegetation and public health will be protected.
(f) An annual scan of the parameters listed as primary and secondary drinking water standards in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C.
(except for turbidity, total coliforms, color, and corrosivity), shall be accomplished for the reclaimed water, the concentrate, and the
blend. After the first year, the Department shall reduce the parameters to be reported in the annual scan if the applicant provides an
affirmative demonstration that ground water standards will be met and that site vegetation and public health will be protected. At
least once during each permit cycle, the full list of parameters listed as primary and secondary drinking water parameters shall be
reported for the reclaimed water and the blend.
(9) Operating protocol.
(a) In accordance with Rule 62-610.320, F.A.C., the domestic wastewater permittee shall establish an operating protocol for the
blending. This operating protocol shall contain procedures designed to ensure that only acceptable quality blend water is released to
the reuse system. The acceptability of the reclaimed water will be based on factors addressed in the engineering report, as described
in subsection 62-610.865(5), F.A.C., such that protection of public health, environmental quality, and site vegetation will be assured.
The two key parameters to be used in making continuous judgments of the acceptability of the blend are the blend ratio and th e
specific conductance.
(b) Reuse projects regulated under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., will have an additional operating protocol for operation of
the domestic wastewater treatment facility, as described in Rule 62-610.463, F.A.C. The permittee may combine the two operating
protocols into a single document.
(10) Demineralization concentrate storage.
(a) The demineralization concentrate permittee shall be responsible for the provision, operation, and maintenance of concentrate
storage facilities.
(b) Provisions shall be made for storage of demineralization concentrate, unless a permitted alternate discharge mechanism or
other approved methods are available for disposal or handling of the concentrate during periods when blending is not possible.
(c) If concentrate storage is needed to meet permit requirements, the storage pond or tank shall have a capacity equal to three
days flow of concentrate at the maximum flow of the process producing the concentrate. If blending will take place after the
reclaimed water system storage facilities, the concentrate storage capacity shall equal the number of days storage required to be
provided in the system storage facilities for the reclaimed water.
(d) Concentrate storage systems shall be lined or sealed to prevent measurable seepage or shall be constructed of impervious
materials. Requirements for lined storage ponds are contained in subsection 62-610.414(4), F.A.C.
(11) The permittee shall submit an annual summary of water quality in the reclaimed water, the concentrate, the blend, and
ground water monitoring wells. Correlations between specific conductance and chloride, and total dissolved solids shall be
developed and reported. The summary shall include an evaluation of any adverse effects on vegetation and ground water quality and
needed corrective actions, including needed revisions to the operating protocol.
(12) Except as provided in subsection 62-610.865(13), F.A.C., blending shall be accomplished after the domestic wastewater
has received all treatment and disinfection. This may be before or after system storage facilities associated with the reuse system. If
blending will occur before system storage associated with the reuse system, the applicant shall provide an affirmative demonstration
that the system storage facilities have sufficient capacity to meet the system storage requirements based on the combined flows of
reclaimed water and the concentrate.
(13) Demineralization concentrate may be discharged into the sanitary sewerage system.
(a) All of the following conditions shall be met:
1. The resulting mixture of concentrate and domestic wastewater receives the full level of treatment required by the part of
Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., which regulates the reuse system.
2. The applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that the sewerage system and treatment facilities have sufficient
capacities to accommodate the added volume of concentrate.
3. The addition of concentrate will not impair the ability of the treatment facility to meet reclaimed water limitations.
4. The resulting reclaimed water will not harm vegetation grown in the reuse system.
5. The resulting reclaimed water will not reduce the infiltration/percolation capacities of soils in the reuse system.
6. The reuse system will comply with ground water standards at the edge of the zone of discharge.
(b) If concentrate is added only to the sewerage system before treatment, the provisions in subsections 62-610.865(2) through
(12), F.A.C., shall not apply.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.087 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088
FS. History–New 8-8-99.
62-610.870 Reporting and Enforcement.
(1) Reporting and enforcement procedures shall be pursuant to Chapters 62-601 and 62-620, F.A.C., and Rule 62-600.740,
F.A.C.
(2) For facilities having an approved limited wet weather discharge, reporting and enforcement requirements are specified in
Rule 62-610.860, F.A.C.
(3) Annual Reuse Report.
(a) Permittees having responsibility for domestic wastewater treatment facilities (new and existing) having permitted capacities
of at least 0.1 mgd that discharge all or part of their reclaimed water to reuse systems permitted under Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall
submit an annual report to the appropriate Department district office. This reporting requirement also applies to all permittees
responsible for operation of reuse authorities. Domestic wastewater permits issued by the Department identify portions of domestic
wastewater projects that are categorized as “reuse.” One copy of the annual report shall be submitted to each of the following
addresses:
1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Reuse Coordinator, Mail Station 3540, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee,
Florida 32399-2400.
2. The appropriate Department of Environmental Protection district office.
3. The appropriate water management district.
(b) The annual report shall be delivered or mailed to these addresses on or before January 1 of each year.
(c) The report shall include estimates of the annual average utilization (expressed in mgd) of reclaimed water for beneficial
purposes and estimates of the annual average flows (expressed in mgd) sent to effluent disposal systems for the previous federal
fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). These are intended to be estimates. Detailed flow monitoring for all individual uses
and users is not required. Data obtained will be used to maintain an inventory of reuse activity in Florida.
(d) Permittees of reuse systems which include commercial agricultural operations using reclaimed water to irrigate edible crops
shall attach their inventory of edible crop irrigation required by subsection 62-610.475(5), F.A.C., to the annual reuse report.
(e) Form 62-610.300(4)(a)2. shall be used for these annual reports.
(f) Permittees shall attach their inventory of storage facilities, as required by Rules 62-610.464 and 62-610.830, F.A.C.
(g) Permittees making reclaimed water available for activities regulated by Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C., shall attach a
summary of their public notification program (including copies of public notification materials), as required by subsection 62-
610.468(6), F.A.C.
(h) Permittees making reclaimed water available for activities listed in subsection 62-610.800(13), F.A.C., shall attach a
summary of the utility’s metering activities and the rate structure that the utility currently employs or plans to employ, as required by
subsection 62-610.800(13), F.A.C., and Section 403.064(16), F.S.
Rulemaking Authority 403.051, 403.061, 403.064, 403.087, 403.0881 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064,
403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881 FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.870, Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99, 11-19-07.
62-610.890 General Permit for Adding New Major Users to a Part III Reuse System.
(1) A general permit is hereby granted to a permittee whose permit includes a reuse system for the addition of a new major user
of reclaimed water (using 0.1 mgd or more, as an annual average), provided that:
(a) Notice to the Department under subsection 62-4.530(1), F.A.C., is submitted on Form 62-610.300(4)(a)1.; and
(b) The reuse system is permitted under Part III of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C.; and
(c) The major user to be added is located within the general reuse area designated in an existing reuse/land application permit;
and
(d) The capacity of the reuse system noted in the existing permit will not change as a result of this addition of a major user; and
(e) There will be no direct discharge of reclaimed water to any storage ponds, lakes, or other water bodies which are waters of
the state or which will discharge to waters of the state; and
(f) Reclaimed water will be used by the major user in accordance with this chapter for an activity allowed by Part III or Part VII
of this chapter.
(2) The notice to the Department of the permittee’s intent to use this general permit requires certification by a professional
engineer registered in Florida and the applicant on Form 62-610.300(4)(a)1.
Rulemaking Authority 403.814(1) FS. Law Implemented 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.814 FS. History–New 4-2-90, Formerly 17-610.890,
Amended 1-9-96, 8-8-99.