VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The city of Daytona Beach is debating a measure that would allow voters to decide on restrictions for “toilet to tap” water recycling.
During a meeting on Wednesday, commissioners will discuss an ordinance that would prohibit the city’s water utility from approving the use of reclaimed blackwater as a source for injection into the aquifer or introduction into the city’s public water system.
“Toilet to tap” is a water recycling method being promoted statewide to address drinking water shortages caused by new development and population growth.
[BELOW: Volusia County rejects putting toilet-to-tap proposal on ballot]
Many residents oppose the practice and have called on local leaders to ban any possible implementation.
Rich Yost is with the political committee Let Volusia Vote, which supports putting a charter amendment on the November ballot.
“We want the people to be able to vote as to whether or not this is something we actually want to consider to sustain that rapid increase in population growth,” Yost said.
Last month, the Volusia County Council voted 4-3 to reject putting a toilet-to-tap water proposal before voters.
The vote came after a petition called to ban the method, with residents saying they are concerned about the safety of turning treated sewage into drinking water or pumping it into the county’s aquifers.
Yost said he wouldn’t let his family drink treated sewage water, due to safety concerns.
“Let’s be proactive and prevent this, because right now there’s a lot of evidence that suggests it’s not safe, it’s not healthy, it’s not good for people to drink,” Yost said.
Volusia was not alone in considering toilet-to-tap. Tampa and Polk County are investing in projects to turn wastewater into drinking water. In Central Florida, Altamonte Springs is already using treated sewage water for irrigation, but not for drinking.
In 2018, Daytona Beach attempted to start a toilet-to-tap program but shut it down after resident pushback.
Commissioners will discuss the ordinance for a charter amendment during their meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. A public hearing and final action on the issue is scheduled for March 18.