Florida water-reuse bill signed

Florida’s governor, Rick Scott, signed bill HB 639 Reclaimed Water on 24 April 2012 which should make it easier for cities and counties in the US state to use reclaimed water.

A controversial clause, which would have allowed private ownership of reclaimed water to make permitting easier, was removed prior to the bill’s approval in response to objections from environmental groups.

As well as defining “reclaimed water” and requiring relevant rule amendments, the bill defines reused water as an alternative water supply and makes it eligible for funding as such.