Can You Drink Orlando Florida Tap Water? What You Need to Know Before You Move
If you’re planning to move to Florida, you may be wondering if it’s safe to drink the tap water.
Florida is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. It’s no wonder that many people who work remotely choose to relocate and live in the Sunshine State.
The answer is not so simple. Orlando Florida tap water quality varies depending on where you live, what source of water you use, and how the water is treated. In general, Florida tap water is considered safe to drink and meets federal drinking water standards. However, some areas may have higher levels of contaminants that could pose health risks if consumed in large amounts over time.
What are the sources of Florida tap Water?
Before deciding to drink tap water, knowing the water source is important. Most Central Florida homeowners have either Municipal “City Water” or “Private Well Water”. Each has its own set of potential contaminants that require treatment.
City Water :
Florida obtains 92% of its tap water from groundwater wells. The water undergoes treatment in municipal water treatment plants to remove contaminants before being distributed to consumers. However, groundwater quality can be affected by various activities such as agriculture, industry, urban development, rainfall, storms, flooding, and climate change.
Private Well Water:
Homeowners with private wells must exercise caution as well water is untreated and may contain harmful contaminants. It is crucial to prioritize regular testing and treatment to ensure safe drinking water.
What are the common contaminant can be found in Orlando Tap Water?
Some of the common contaminants that can be found in Orlando and Central Florida tap water include:
- PFAS: PFAS are a group of chemicals that are widely used in various products, such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can cause adverse health effects, such as liver damage, thyroid disease, reduced fertility, and increased risk of cancer.
- Haloacetic acids: Haloacetic acids are a group of disinfection byproducts that are formed when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in the water. Haloacetic acids can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, as well as increase the risk of bladder cancer and reproductive problems.
- Nitrates: Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that are found in soil and water. They can also come from fertilizer runoff, animal waste, septic systems, and industrial waste. High levels of nitrates can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, especially in infants and pregnant women. This can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome.
- Water hardness: Another common issue that affects the water quality is water hardness. Water hardness is a common concern in both City and Well Water, it refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. Hard water can cause problems such as scaling, staining, corrosion, and reduced efficiency of water heaters and appliances. Hard water can also make soap less effective and leave a residue on your skin and hair.
- Chlorine or Chloramine: Municipality treatment plants normally use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply, you may notice a chlorine smell or taste in your tap water. Chlorine and chloramine are added to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, but they can also react with organic matter in the water and form disinfection byproducts that may pose health risks. Chlorine and chloramine can also irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
- Iron and Sulfur : Some well water may also contain high levels of iron and sulfur, which can cause unpleasant effects such as a rotten egg smell, a metallic taste, and orange or black stains on your fixtures and laundry. Iron and sulfur can also promote the growth of iron bacteria, which can clog your pipes and filters and reduce your water pressure and flow.
- Tannins: are another substance that can affect well water quality. Tannins are organic compounds that are produced by decaying vegetation and soil. Tannins can give your water a yellow or brown color, a musty or earthy odor, and a bitter taste. Tannins can also interfere with the effectiveness of other water treatment systems, such as softeners and iron filters.
Why do i need to install water filtration system in central Florida?
These contaminants are typically lower than the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are the legal limits for the amount of a substance that is allowed in public water systems. However, some people may be more sensitive or vulnerable to these contaminants than others, such as children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Water treatment systems are devices or methods that improve the quality and safety of your tap water by removing or reducing contaminants. Water treatment systems have several benefits, such as:
- Reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and diseases by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
- Enhancing tap water’s flavor and scent makes it more pleasant to drink.
- Enjoying safe drinking water all the time, without having to worry about boil water notices or water quality advisories.
- Saving money by avoiding bottled water expenses and reducing plumbing repairs.
- Helping preserve the environment by reducing plastic waste and energy consumption.
What Are the contaminant in Orlando Tap Water?
To ensure that your home has the most appropriate water treatment system, it is important to determine the contents of your water. These resources can be relied upon for accurate information:
- Check your local water quality report: Your local water department must provide an annual report on tap water quality. This report will tell you where your water comes from, what contaminants are detected in it, and how it compares to federal standards. You can find your local water quality report online or request a copy from your water provider.
- Test your City tap water: If you are in city water you can get water testing kit or contact Smart Water Treatment Technology to do free water testing for you. This will help you identify the specific contaminants and their concentrations in your water and any other issues such as hardness, chlorine ,TDS, pH, or color.
- Local Health Department: If you are using Private Water, Contact the health department and request them to do water testing .
- Certified lab : It is crucial to test private well water regularly using certified labs. The cost of lab tests may vary between $150 and $250, which might seem expensive. However, the benefits of protecting your health and your loved ones are priceless.
- Smart Water Treatment Technology: If you are a homeowner in Central Florida and have City Water, you can claim free water testing by contacting us. For Well Water, we offer a reduced price for 50 parameters tested by a third party. This discount can be availed on the purchase of any well system from us. Please feel free to get in touch with our team for more information.
How to Treat Orlando and central Florida Tap water
There are various water treatment systems that can effectively remove harmful contaminants such as :
- Sediment Filter.
- Carbon Filter.
- Water Softer.
- Reverse Osmosis.
- Whole House Filtration.
- UV disinfectant
- Tannin Filter.
- Iron and Sulfur Filter
- Chlorination System.
After identifying the potential contaminant in your water, consult a water treatment specialist to recommend the best water treatment system. Contact Smart Water Treatment Technology or schedule a water consultation.
Conclusion
Florida tap water is generally safe to drink, but it can vary in quality depending on where you live and what source of water you use. Some areas may have higher levels of contaminants that could pose health risks if consumed in large amounts over time. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential issues and challenges of Florida tap water quality and the benefits and solutions of water treatment systems.
By eliminating many contaminants in your water, you can make it safer and cleaner, enabling you to enjoy clean, fresh, and healthy water for all your daily needs, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. Additionally, you can save money, protect the environment, and improve your overall well-being in the process.
Looking for the best water treatment solutions in Central Florida? Look no further than Smart Water Treatment Technology. We provide top-of-the-line water softeners, whole-house filtration, reverse osmosis, and well-water treatment systems at affordable rates to improve the quality and safety of your water. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!