WEST PALM BEACH, FL. - Today, the South Florida Water Management District (District) proclaimed May 17-23, 2026, as Water Reuse Week. The District highlighted the importance of developing alternative water supplies to meet the growing demand on our traditional groundwater and surface water sources.
Florida is a national leader in water reuse, reusing over 950 million gallons per day of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and recharge our freshwater resources.
Reclaimed water is highly treated domestic wastewater that is used for a beneficial purpose. When reclaimed water is used, it eases the demand on traditional, often limited, sources of water. By recycling or reusing water, communities can still grow while minimizing or even reducing their impact on the water resources around them. Reclaimed water systems are continually monitored to ensure the health and welfare of the public and the environment are protected.
During the District’s May Governing Board Meeting, Governing Board members continued their longstanding tradition of showcasing a ceremonial purple jacket to highlight the agency's ongoing efforts to encourage water reuse. The jacket is worn by one Governing Board member each year to represent the purple pipes that carry reclaimed water. This year, Governing Board Member Charlie Martinez passed the purple jacket to Governing Board Member Ben Butler.
"Water reuse is an essential part of the District’s water management tool kit to protect our natural resources while meeting the needs of our growing communities and population,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member Ben Butler. “I am honored to receive the purple jacket and I appreciate Charlie Martinez passing it to me at today’s meeting. Recycling water is something we encourage and support to ensure an adequate and sustainable supply for all of us.”
Safe, clean and sustainable water resources are essential to Florida’s environment, citizens and visitors. Reclaimed water can be used for many beneficial purposes, including:
- Creating wetlands and enhancing restoration
- Irrigating residential lots, parks and other green spaces
- Recharging groundwater
- Industrial uses
Since the year 2000, water reuse in the District has increased by 55 percent to approximately 300 million gallons per day and has become integral to South Florida’s water supply. There are over 100 reuse facilities within the District’s 16-county region.
As we recognize Water Reuse Week, we encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/WaterReuse to learn more about the importance of reclaimed water in managing and protecting South Florida’s water resources.