The Benefits of Reclaimed Water

On April 12, 2023, the City of Miramar experienced intense rainfall over a 48-hour period Per the South Broward Drainage District (“SBDD”) rain gauge, approximately 10 to 12 inches of rainfall was recorded in Miramar In accordance with SBDD classification, the storm was classified as a 25 to 50-year storm event, which was defined as a rain event that could occur once in every 25 to 50 years

Other areas of Broward County experienced a once in every 1,000 rainfall event, which has had a huge impact on its infrastructure and the quality of life for numerous residents of the County While these events can be unpredictable, City staff has worked diligently over the years, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, to ensure that Miramar is as prepared as possible for these incidents

Prior to the rain event, Public Works staff inspected and cleaned all vulnerable locations to

• I n t e r s e c t i o n o f S W 2 3 S t r e e t a n d S W 6 2 Te r r a c e

• SW 29 Street between SW 69 Way and SW 68 Terrace

• Plantation Blvd and Arcadia Drive

• Miramar Pkwy and Palm Avenue

Through onsite observations, stormwater infrastructure was inundated due to the intensity and duration of rainfall, which occurred over a 48-hour period City staff was dispatched to various locations to aid in clearing drainage grates that were covered by leaves and other debris, thereby stopping the flow of water into the drainage system I am happy to report also that the newly installed drainage infrastructure as part of the Historic Miramar Drainage Improvements-Phase IV project performed as designed during the storm event

The City of Miramar will continue to be proactive and prepared to respond to unforeseen storm events and the needs of our community!

CONTRIBUTED BY SHANA COOMBS Chief Operating Officer, City Manager ’s Office

WHAT IS RECLAIMED WATER?

Reclaimed water is recycled wastewater that has undergone advanced treatment to meet the specific standards for which it will be utilized During the treatment process, which includes, but not limited to filtration and disinfection, the reclaimed water is monitored extensively This level of quality control ensures that reclaimed water is safe and complies with the stringent standards that are developed by regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels Reclaimed water has multiple uses such as irrigation of public access areas and landscape; agricultural irrigation; groundwater recharge; wetlands creation, restoration, and enhancement; firefighting; amongst other permitted uses as stated in the Florida Statutes Here in the City of Miramar, reclaimed water is exclusively used for irrigation of public access areas and landscape Reclaimed water is also referred to as reuse or recycled water

Importance Of Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water is a critical component of the City and Florida’s water resource, wastewater, and ecosystem management Utilization of reclaimed water in lieu of drinking water for irrigation protects the State’s finite water resources such as aquifers and surface water bodies The treatment of wastewater to reclaimed water standard provides an avenue for the effective management of wastewater

ABOVE: and establishment of a beneficial resource, both of which protects public health and the environment In terms of ecosystem management, reclaimed water reduces the need to withdraw water for irrigation from canals, lakes and other surficial systems that are instrumental in the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem During seasons of drought, surficial systems will be restricted, which negatively impacts residents’ ability to rely on such sources for irrigation Conversely, reclaimed water is considered “drought proof” and will be available during restrictions of alternative sources In the City of Miramar, reclaimed water is our most effective conservation tool in protecting our precious water resources and achieving compliance with regulatory obligations

PURPLE PIPE INFRASTR UCTURE THE RECLAIMED DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IS IDENTIFIED BY PURPLE PIPES.

Benefits Of Reclaimed Water

The benefits of using reclaimed water are many and includes but not limited to:

• Utilization of an environmentally friendly, safe, and “drought proof” source for irrigation

• No cost to residents for usage

• Reduced fertilizer application due to nitrogen and phosphorous in reclaimed water

The reclaimed distribution system is identified by Pantone 522C purple pipes

The installation of purple pipes in your community enables you to connect to the system and initiate the use of reclaimed water for the sole purpose of irrigation We look forward to your partnership with the City in being environmental stewards by utilizing this essential resource