Kissimmee runs on reuse water — your system should be built for it
Across Celebration, parts of Kissimmee, and many newer Osceola County communities, irrigation does not use drinking water at all — it uses reclaimed water, the treated wastewater marked by purple pipes and purple valve box lids. Reclaimed water is cheaper than potable, better for the environment, and exempt from some watering restrictions. But it is not the same as running city water through standard equipment: reclaimed systems need specific components, specific installation practices, and techs who understand the differences. We install and service reclaimed irrigation regularly — it is a core part of our work, not a novelty.
What makes reclaimed systems different
Reclaimed water carries more dissolved solids and occasional particulates than potable water, which means filtration matters more and nozzle clogging happens faster without it. Purple identification is required on all components — pipe, valve boxes, and heads — so nobody mistakes the system for potable. Backflow requirements differ from potable connections (the cross-connection risk runs the other way, and the rules reflect it). And pressure characteristics on reclaimed loops vary by neighborhood and time of day, since the whole community draws from the same supply. A system designed for potable water and simply connected to reclaimed will underperform and clog; a system designed for reclaimed runs for years with minimal fuss.
Installation on reclaimed supply
New reclaimed installs start at the point of connection: proper purple pipe from the meter, filtration sized to the water quality, pressure regulation matched to the loop's characteristics, and purple-identified heads and valve boxes throughout. We zone the same way as any quality install — turf separate from beds, sun separate from shade — and program the controller for the neighborhood's reclaimed watering schedule. Because reclaimed is typically billed flat-rate or cheaply, the design emphasis shifts from minimizing gallons to maximizing plant health: deep, effective watering that keeps the landscape thriving.
Service and troubleshooting
The most common reclaimed service calls are clogged nozzles and filters (particulate buildup), pressure fluctuations from loop demand, and stuck valves from mineral deposits. We service these routinely: filter cleaning and upsizing where needed, nozzle swaps to clog-resistant types, pressure regulation adjustments, and valve maintenance. We also handle conversions — homes on potable irrigation in neighborhoods where reclaimed becomes available, or the reverse — including the code-required component changes and backflow work.
Reclaimed water and your plants: what to know
Reclaimed water is safe and effective for landscapes, with a few nuances worth knowing. It typically carries more nitrogen and phosphorus than potable water — most plants appreciate the free fertilizer, but it means you can often reduce supplemental feeding. Salt content runs slightly higher, which sensitive plants notice; we flag the species that care during design. The water may have a slight odor at the heads during application — normal, and it dissipates quickly. And because it is not drinking water, edible gardens need drip lines that keep water off the produce (standard practice, easily done). None of these are problems; they are just the operating manual for a water source that saves money and makes sense.
How it works
Supply assessment. We verify your reclaimed connection, pressure, and any neighborhood-specific requirements. Written plan. New install or service plan with purple-identified components and proper filtration, priced in writing. Installation or service. Code-compliant work with reclaimed-rated equipment throughout. Programming. Controller set for reclaimed schedules and your landscape's needs. Ongoing care. Filter maintenance schedules so the system stays clean.
What it costs
Reclaimed water irrigation installs in Kissimmee typically run $2,000-$6,000 depending on lot size and system scope — generally comparable to potable installs, with filtration adding modest cost. Service visits run the same as standard irrigation service. Prices vary by project — every job starts with a free assessment and written price.
Built for purple pipe from day one
If your neighborhood is on reclaimed water, your irrigation should be designed for it — not adapted from a potable template. Whether you need a new system, service on an existing one, or a conversion, we do reclaimed work every week. Send the form and tell us which community you are in.
Ask about reclaimed before you assume
Many homeowners do not realize their neighborhood has reclaimed water available — or that their property could connect to it. If you are on potable irrigation in an area with a reclaimed loop nearby, ask your utility about availability; the savings on irrigation water are substantial, and the conversion is straightforward work for us. If you are already on reclaimed and fighting clogs or pressure issues, the system probably needs reclaimed-specific attention rather than standard service. Either way, start with a conversation: send the form and tell us your community, and we will tell you what is possible.