Daytona Beach commission puts charter amendment banning potable reuse before voters after public hearing

The Daytona Beach City Commission voted unanimously March 18 to place a proposed charter amendment on the ballot that would prohibit the use of reclaimed black water for aquifer injection or direct introduction into the city’s potable water system.

The ordinance under consideration would amend the city charter to bar the city from approving use of reclaimed black water for underground aquifer injection or for direct addition into the potable system; the item was heard on second reading as a public hearing.

Speakers at the hearing were sharply divided on timing and trade‑offs. Rich Yost said the proposal would protect drinking water and give residents a chance to vote on the city’s future water policy. “This commission tonight has a historic opportunity,” Yost said, urging the council to give voters the choice.

Other speakers urged caution. Catherine Pantone asked commissioners to pause any ban until a consultant’s engineering study of compliance options under Senate Bill 64 is complete; she warned that pausing a potential reuse option now does not commit the city to reuse later, and said residents need a full cost and risk analysis. Jenny Nasak, who described herself as previously open to potable‑reuse as an option, urged the commission to protect the aquifer and prioritize conservation.

City Attorney Gross and staff explained the proposed ordinance would still require a referendum for adoption; commissioners emphasized that the ordinance simply gives voters a chance to decide. The motion to adopt the ordinance for referendum carried 7–0.

The commission did not adopt substantive technical standards at the meeting; staff and consultants are expected to provide additional information on technical, cost and timeline implications in future briefings.