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Staff allows temporary irrigation cisterns but requires demand calculations, future reclaimed-water hookup when available
Summary
City reviewers discussed reclaimed-water requirements and agreed applicants may use temporary cisterns for irrigation when city reclaim is not 'readily available,' but required plan notes, demand calculations and later connection when the reclaimed system is extended.
City of DeLand planning and engineering staff debated reclaimed-water requirements and temporary irrigation cisterns for a proposed project, then gave conditional approval for temporary cistern use with several conditions.
During a detailed technical review, staff repeatedly referenced the city's code language that reclaimed water must be used where the city has made reclaimed water available and where a property is planned for ultimate connection. Reviewers and the applicant exchanged estimates of the distance to the nearest reclaimed-water main (noted in the meeting as a 12-inch line near a DaVita facility), with staff saying that the line was likely “a couple thousand feet” from the site, making an immediate connection expensive.
Because of the distance, staff indicated a temporary cistern for irrigation could be acceptable provided the plan includes a clear note committing to connect to reclaimed water when the system becomes available, and provided the cistern design is functionally reviewed and approved by staff (Scott was listed as the reviewer who would check cistern functionality). Staff said applicants must perform a demand calculation showing irrigation needs and cistern sizing; applicants cited examples discussed in the meeting (figures near 12,000 gallons mentioned by the applicant and discussion of up to about 21,000 gallons in one exchange).
Why it matters: Reclaimed-water connections reduce potable-water use for landscape irrigation. The committee’s conditional acceptance of temporary cisterns affects applicants’ short-term irrigation solutions while preserving the city's authority to require future connection when reclaimed water becomes available.
Details and conditions recorded in meeting: staff required a plan note tying the temporary cistern to the irrigation system, required demand/sizing calculations be submitted, and stated Scott (city reviewer) will review and approve the cistern and an alternative irrigation approach if the cistern will not reliably supply water year-round. Staff also said applicants may be required to hook up to reclaimed water when it becomes available; availability was discussed as the determining condition for mandatory connection rather than a fixed distance definition.
Next steps: applicants were told to provide a cistern design and demand calculations, add the required plan note about future reclaimed-water connection, and coordinate with Scott and other reviewers on how the temporary solution will be phased out once reclaimed water is extended to the property.
