Beacon Lake Reuse Conversion
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Reclaimed Water Overview
What is Reclaimed Water?
Reclaimed water is domestic wastewater which has been treated and disinfected to a high degree through a multiple-stage advanced treatment program that eliminates pathogens (solids, organics and viruses) and still retains nitrogen and phosphorus, such that it can be safely used to irrigate golf courses and residential lawns. Reclaimed water must meet strict water quality requirements established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Although reclaimed water meets most of the drinking water standards and is safe for human contact, it is not intended for human or animal consumption.
Is Reclaimed Water safe?
Yes, reclaimed water is highly treated and disinfected. For unrestricted public access, reclaimed water must meet strict standards of quality established by the FDEP. Reclaimed water is monitored and tested in St. Johns County to ensure quality standards are met. While it is not suitable for human or animal consumption, incidental physical contact with the water has no negative effects. Therefore, accidental splashing or spraying should not cause alarm.
Cost
What are these fees we are being charged?
The current connection and meter fees total $1,280.83. This includes our Reclaimed Water Unit Connection Fee ($895.83), our ¾” Reclaimed Water Meter Fee ($240.00), and our Meter Transceiver Unit (MXU) Charge ($145.00). This breaks down to an interest free $21.35 per month, for 60 months. For more information, please see the St. Johns County Utility Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water System Rate Tariff.
Why is a fee being charged now?
The required connection and meter fees could not be collected until reclaimed water service was active. Now that it is, meters are being installed, and connection fees are due, per the County Utility Ordinance.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes. Because of the unique situation, the County Utility is proposing an interest-free payment plan for Beacon Lake phases 1–3. Residents can pay the required fees over time as part of their monthly utility bill.
We heard that there is a proposed reclaimed water rate increase. Will the potential bill reductions hold after the upcoming rate changes?
Correct, SJCUD will be proposing to increase reclaimed water rates in the near future. The exact rate increase is undetermined at this time, however, as an average for the community (14,300 gallons per month), net bill reductions are still anticipated from your current bill if the reclaimed water rates were to increase.
Will this increase my monthly bill?
In most cases, no. In fact, many residents will see a decrease in their monthly utility bill depending on usage.
What if our builder already paid these fees? How do we know for sure?
SJCUD keeps records of fees and bills that have been paid for all of our customers’ accounts. Reclaimed Water Fees were not paid for the accounts within Beacon Lake Phase 1-3.
How will I be billed?
You will continue to receive the same bill as before, but it will now include Reclaimed Water. Previously, the reclaimed water system was using potable water to irrigate. Water Rates (PDF)
If you have any questions regarding billing, please contact the Customer Service and Billing Department at (904) 209-2700.
Do we pay a higher rate because JEA is producing the reclaimed water?
No, all SJCUD customers have the same rates. The only exception to this is our customers in the North Beach service area (Vilano Beach). These utilities were recently acquired from a private entity and new rates have not yet been adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Why are we being asked to pay for reclaimed water service now?
Beacon Lake is part of the Twin Creeks Development, which is required by its Development Order (DO) to use non-potable water (like reclaimed water, stormwater, or surface water) for irrigation. The developer’s engineer confirmed that stormwater alone could not supply the irrigation needs of the community and consequently chose reclaimed water. Due to delays in reclaimed water infrastructure, potable water was temporarily allowed. Now that reclaimed water is available (as of mid-2024), we are transitioning to the originally planned reclaimed water service.
General
Why wasn’t reclaimed water available from the beginning? Why the delay?
SJCUD does not have any availability of reclaimed water in the vicinity of the Twin Creeks development. Consequently, SJCUD collaborated with Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) via a service agreement to provide reclaimed water. Unfortunately, JEA’s system faced delays due to COVID-related supply chain issues and additionally, a contractor bankruptcy. In the meantime, potable water was used temporarily until the infrastructure was completed.
Can we opt out of reclaimed water?
No. The Development Order requires the use of a non-potable water source for irrigation. Reclaimed water was the source chosen by your developer.
Can I use reclaimed water for my vegetable garden?
FDEP states that reclaimed water cannot be used on edible crops unless they are peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally processed before eating. Direct contact with reclaimed water on fruits or vegetables eaten raw is not allowed. Indirect irrigation (e.g. soaker style hose) or hand watering with potable water, are acceptable alternatives. Also, while it is not suitable for human or animal consumption, incidental physical contact with the water has no negative effects. Therefore, accidental splashing or spraying (e.g., kids or pets playing in the yard) should not cause alarm. Visit FDEP, 62-610 : REUSE OF RECLAIMED WATER AND LAND APPLICATION for more information
What about the smell from reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water generally does not smell — we serve over 6,000 customers with no odor complaints. However, if you’re experiencing odor somewhere in the neighborhood, it might be from stormwater or well water (often sulfur-related). We’d be happy to inspect and help you identify the source.
When will this conversion project begin?
We are aiming to start work in June 2025 and last about 3 months. We will provide a more detailed schedule soon.
Will the contractor have to dig in my lawn?
Yes, the contractor will dig in your lawn. However, the area they will need to dig should be relatively small and isolated, and they are required to restore the lawn to the existing conditions.
The builder told us that reclaimed water would be connected for free once available. Why was this not communicated correctly?
Unfortunately, we cannot control what information a builder will pass along. SJCUD never told the developer, nor the builder, that this would be the case.
Does SJCUD treat the wastewater that is becoming the reclaimed water being provided to us?
No, JEA treats the wastewater and produces the reclaimed water.
Will there be a warranty on the private plumbing work that the contractor will be performing?
Yes, the contractor’s contract includes a one-year limited warranty on the work performed.
Can I do my own plumbing work to save money?
SJCUD is not charging customers for the private plumbing work, so there would be no savings.
Are the townhomes included in this project?
No, only Beacon Lake Phases 1-3 single family homes are included in this project.
Questions?
For more information, email reusequestions@sjcfl.us or call (904) 209-2750.