Managing Healthy Landscapes With Reclaimed Water
Learn How to Effectively Manage Your Landscape Using Reclaimed Water
Tampa's highest water use is during the annual dry season from March through
June. During this time, water levels in the Hillsborough River reservoir and
other water sources may become very low. At the same time irrigation demands are
very high. Reclaimed water used in place of potable (drinking) water for
irrigation will help offset use of valuable potable water.
To help reclaimed water customers manage their landscape, a listing of common
landscape plants grouped by their chloride salt tolerance level is available.
When referring to the plant list, please note the list is intended as a general
guide and the chloride salt tolerance level for many landscape plants has not
been documented. For specific information on plants adapted to your location and
landscape, contact a Master Gardener at the
Hillsborough County Cooperative
Extension Service at (813) 744-5519, ext. 7. To learn more about Tampa's
reclaimed water
project, call Tampa's Reclaimed Water Hotline at (813) 282-7827.
Will reclaimed water affect my plants?
Landscapes irrigated with reclaimed water should be monitored to determine
what, if any, modifications to fertilizer and irrigation practices may be
needed. While the reclaimed water treatment process retains usable levels of
nitrogen and phosphorus that work as fertilizer, micro-nutrient corrections may
be necessary for some acid-loving plants. Reclaimed water also contains higher
levels of chloride salts than potable (drinking) water. These salt levels vary
due to the time of year, time of day and other factors.
Chloride Salts
Chloride salt concentrations for Tampa's reclaimed water range from 150 to
300 parts per million (ppm). Most landscape plants will tolerate chloride salt
concentrations of up to 400 ppm, while others such as Dwarf Azalea and Chinese
Privet are totally intolerant. Some other common species, such as Camellia and
Gardenia will tolerate chloride salt levels greater than 100 ppm, although may
show leaf burn (yellowing) if the foliage is exposed to overhead irrigation.
Is reclaimed water safe?
Yes. Reclaimed water is highly treated, continually monitored and thoroughly
tested to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection. Unlike most reclaimed water that is
treated only twice, the reclaimed water produced at Tampa's
Howard F. Curren
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant goes through three major treatment
processes before being delivered to the customer. Detailed information regarding
the quality of reclaimed water is available in the Reclaimed Water Quality Report.
Effects of Over watering
Leaf burn and wilting, commonly mistaken for leaf damage associated with
chloride salts in reclaimed water, are also well-known indications of
over watering. Allowing water to pool on foliage in direct sunlight, regardless
of the water source (rain water, potable water or reclaimed water), may also
cause foliage to yellow.
Salt Accumulation and Drainage
Poor drainage and pooling water may also allow accumulation of salts in the
soil. Adjust slopes, eliminate compacted soil and amend soil structure to help
improve landscape drainage problems. Learn how to effectively manage your
landscape using reclaimed water. If leaf yellowing occurs, sprinkler heads may need
to be adjusted so the spray pattern avoids direct contact with plant foliage. If
leaf yellowing persists, it may be necessary to use drip irrigation to water the
more sensitive plant varieties.
While reclaimed water use is not restricted, over watering is a common cause of decline in landscapes managed with reclaimed
water. Most lawn and landscape plants require no more than 3/4-inch of water per
week. Over watering not only leads to root rot by forcing oxygen out of soil
spaces, it also encourages damaging fungus growth.
Watering Schedules
Reclaimed water does not have the same watering restrictions as potable
(drinking) water. To maximize the efficiency of the reclaimed water delivery
system, it is important not all users irrigate on the same day. The following
suggested watering schedule will help ensure the daily supply of reclaimed water
corresponds with daily demands.
Suggested Watering Schedule
- Addresses Ending in Odd Numbers: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Addresses Ending in Even Numbers: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
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