Cocoa's Reclaim Water System

An Alternative Water Source

Save water, money and the environment.

Our goal is to save a valuable resource-your drinking water.

Reclaimed water is a major component of the city's water conservation program. Cocoa intends to make this resource available to as many residents as supply, demand, and financial resources allow.

What is Reclaimed Water?

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated and transformed into a product that is clean, clear, and odorless. This water must meet strict water quality standards established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Water Reclamation Facility

Cocoa's reclaimed water is treated to advanced wastewater treatment standards at the Jerry Sellers Water Reclamation Facility, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. The water receives a high level of disinfection and is continuously monitored and analyzed by our skilled technicians to insure consistent high quality and compliance with regulations.

Reuse of Wastewater Effluent

The reclaimed water system helps to protect our environment through the beneficial reuse of wastewater effluent. Instead of discharging effluent into the Indian River Lagoon, it is re-used for irrigation. Reducing the volume discharged helps Cocoa meet State and Federal requirements for wastewater effluent disposal into surface waters. It also helps to conserve our drinking water supplies by providing an alternative source of water for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Water Demand on the Dry Season

The demand for reclaimed water during the dry season often exceeds the available supply of wastewater effluent produced in Cocoa. To meet these high demand periods, Cocoa continues to develop supplemental sources from storm water and non-potable groundwater. To meet seasonal demands, Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is being evaluated as an option for storing large volumes of treated water underground during wet weather conditions. This water is then available to supplement the supply of reclaimed water during dry weather.

Good for Irrigation

Reclaimed water is not suitable for drinking; however, it's great for irrigation. It can be used on residential lawns, highway medians, parks, golf courses, and other landscaped areas. You can irrigate edible crops as long as you peel, skin, cook, or thermally process them before consumption. Reclaimed water can also be used in commercial buildings to flush toilets. It is not recommended to use reclaimed water for washing vehicles or washing down sidewalks, roadways or driveways. 

Advantages of Using Reclaimed Water

• Current water restrictions do not apply to reclaimed water use.
• Reclaimed water has a low salt content that will not harm sensitive plants.
• Reclaimed water has a low iron content that will not stain walkways and buildings.
• Reclaimed water eliminates the expense of wells, pump operation and maintenance costs.
• Reclaimed water usage reduces the demand on potable and ground water sources.
• Reclaimed water recharges the shallow surficial aquifer with fresh water.
• Reclaimed water reduces the quantity of wastewater effluent discharged into the Indian River Lagoon.