Orange County, FL
Backflow protection and reclaimed water in Orange County, Florida
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Orange County Utilities, which serves much of unincorporated Orange County, has installed meter boxes with dual check valves in residential areas irrigating with reclaimed water since March 1, 2020. Residential reclaimed connections need at least an ASSE 1024 dual check on the outlet side of the meter. Any in-ground irrigation system is a potential cross-connection without a backflow preventer.
What Orange County handles
Since March 1, 2020, Orange County Utilities has installed potable meter boxes with dual check valves in residential areas that irrigate with reclaimed water or have reclaimed infrastructure connected through an interconnect. [1]
Residential reclaimed water connections need at minimum an ASSE 1024 dual check valve on the discharge side of the potable meter, in a separate box. [2]
Any in-ground irrigation system could create a cross-connection and is at risk for backflow without a backflow preventer; the Cross Connection Control Section is at (407) 836-6970. [2]
OCU or OUC?
Orange County Utilities (OCU) and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) are different utilities. Most of the City of Orlando is on OUC; OCU serves large unincorporated areas. Check your bill before following either one's rules; Orlando-specific pages such as Orlando drain backups cover the city.
Living with reclaimed water
- Purple pipes, valve boxes and sprinkler parts carry reclaimed water: irrigation only.
- Never connect a hose between a reclaimed spigot and a potable one.
- Leave the meter-side dual check alone; it protects your house water as well as the public's.
Related
See backflow testing and the backflow prevention guide.
City-specific guides in Orange County
Common questions
Why is there a dual check valve at my Orange County water meter?
Since March 2020, OCU installs them in residential areas that irrigate with reclaimed water.
What standard must an Orange County dual check meet?
ASSE 1024, installed on the discharge side of the potable meter in a separate box.
Does an in-ground sprinkler need backflow protection in Orange County?
Any in-ground irrigation system is at risk for backflow without a preventer.
How do I reach Orange County's cross-connection office?
Call (407) 836-6970 or email [email protected].
Is Orange County Utilities the same as OUC?
No; OUC serves most of Orlando, OCU much of unincorporated Orange County.
What does purple pipe mean in Orange County?
Reclaimed water for irrigation only.
Will OCU test my meter-side dual check?
Ask the Cross Connection Control Section at (407) 836-6970 about inspection and replacement for your connection.
Can I remove the dual check to get better pressure?
No; it protects the drinking water supply.
Which areas get OCU dual checks?
Residential areas irrigating with reclaimed water or with reclaimed infrastructure connected through an interconnect.
Who handles backflow for Orlando city homes?
The city's utility, OUC; check your bill.
Cities and services in Orange County
Other Florida counties
- Septic-to-sewer conversion in Miami-Dade CountyConverting from septic to sewer in Miami-Dade: about 120,000 septic systems still in use, groundwater risk.
- Backflow testing for Hillsborough County water customersHillsborough County Public Utilities backflow rules: annual tests by registered county testers, permits for new or replaced assemblies, and 48-hour failure reports.
Sources (2)
- Orange County Utilities, Cross Connection Control · checked 2026-10-03
- Orange County Utilities, Cross Connection Control FAQs · checked 2026-10-03