The use of a hose on residential reclaimed water systems is limited to the hand-watering of grass and shrubs. A hose connection can also be used to water the roots of vegetable and fruit plants where direct spray from the reclaimed water irrigation system is prohibited. Reclaimed water hose connections cannot be used to fill wading pools, wash the car, spray down sidewalks or driveways, or other such common residential uses.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Regulations and City of Melbourne Ordinances require additional security measures to be taken for hose bibs connected to reclaimed water systems. These additional measures have been implemented to reduce the accidental misuse of reclaimed water. 

The regulations require reclaimed water hose bibs to be located in locked compartments and clearly labeled as being of non-potable quality with language written in English and Spanish. The security devices must in place at all times when the hose bib is not in use.

Examples of approved locking devices are provided. The devices can be purchased from local home improvement stores, hardware stores and online retailers. Approved devices allow for a “Do Not Drink” tag to be installed or incorporates the required labeling into the manufacturing process. For devices that are not pre-labeled, the City will provide a tag that satisfies the requirements once the hose bib lock has been installed and we are notified by the property owner. 

• It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure access to the reclaimed water is restricted and that reclaimed water is used properly. 
• Reclaimed water cannot come into direct contact with fruits, herbs and vegetables that are not peeled, skinned, cooked or thermally processed before consumption.
• Runoff, overspray and ponding from reclaimed water systems should be minimized. Reclaimed water should not be allow to flow into gutters or enter the into the stormwater system.
• Cross-connections between drinking water and reclaimed water is strictly prohibited.
• The hose used on reclaimed water hose bibs should never be connected to drinking water hose bibs. A backflow event could cause reclaimed water to enter your drinking water supply.

Reclaimed water cannot be used to fill swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, nor should it be used to wash cars or pets, or spray down sidewalks and driveway. 

The City of Melbourne conducts periodic inspections to ensure all applicable regulations are adhered to. Please be advised that the continued use of an unsecured hose bib on a reclaimed water system or the misuse of such device can result in the termination of the reclaimed water service and/or code enforcement action.

The City of Melbourne’s Reclaimed Water Coordinator can answer questions you may have regarding the availability and installation of materials necessary to secure a hose bib on a reclaimed water system. The Reclaimed Water Coordinator can be reached by phone at (321) 608-5120 or email reclaim@mlbfl.org