DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona Beach leaders are debating what should happen to millions of gallons of wastewater the city produces every day.
On Wednesday, commissioners heard from residents about a proposal that could eventually ask voters whether the city should ban turning treated wastewater into drinking water — something critics often call “toilet to tap.”
Several residents spoke out against the idea during public comment at the Daytona Beach City Commission meeting.
“I certainly don’t want my children or grandchildren drinking treated sewage water. I think that’s awful,” resident Rich Yost said.
Sandra Snodgrass also opposed the concept.
“It’s chemically treated sewage — chemicals along with fecal matter,” she said.
The debate centers on a proposed charter amendment that would ban the city from using treated wastewater as a source for drinking water.
Supporters say the amendment would make sure the option is never considered in Daytona Beach.
The issue comes as cities across Florida face a new state requirement to stop dumping treated wastewater into rivers by 2032.
Right now, millions of gallons of treated wastewater end up in the Halifax River every day.
Some cities have explored turning highly treated wastewater into drinking water as a way to deal with the growing demand for water and the upcoming discharge limits.
Daytona Beach officials say the proposal being considered would ultimately allow voters to decide whether the city should ban that option.
“We’ve got one more reading to go so the people can vote,” Deputy City Manager James Morris said. “If it’s a vote, it will amend the charter so a subsequent commission can’t just put it away. It would have to be voters at a later time if that’s what they want to do.”
If the commission passes the ordinance at its next meeting, the issue could eventually appear on a ballot for Daytona Beach voters.
“I really hope that in two weeks everyone on this commission votes in favor,” Yost said. “It can always be reversed. We can’t go back from drinking sewage water.”