Hardness is the soap-consuming power of water. Water that is hard contains high concentrations of minerals, some of which are essential for good health. The Utility softens the water for aesthetic purposes in order to give our customers the best quality water possible.
Does the City test our water and are there standards for taste, odor, and water appearance?
Yes, the City tests the water extensively according to FDEP, and EPA guidelines, for primary standards that are set to protect human health and for secondary standards or aesthetic considerations such as taste, odor and appearance.
Where does our drinking water come from?
Raw water that is processed at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) comes primarily from a shallow aquifer (approximately 100’ to 130’ in depth) well field. Raw water is also supplied to the WTP by a single Floridan aquifer well. For additional information, visit Our Water Sources web page. Soon, the Utility will be able to use the Floridian aquifer with Reverse Osmosis.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is a form of water treatment where water is pumped through a membrane system that consists of very fine filter screens that remove impurities from the water. Examples of such impurities include minerals, chlorides, organics, etc.
When should I water my lawn?
The SJRWMD imposes year round water restrictions, and it is recommended that lawn watering not take place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. For additional information, visit our Irrigation web page.
Can I use the City’s tap water in my aquarium?
The WTP uses chlorine and ammonia to disinfect the water. The disinfect ion is important so that humans do not get waterborne diseases. Ammonia is used to prevent the formation of carcinogens. Chlorine and Ammonia can be lethal to fish, so it is important to adequately de-chlorinate and remove the ammonia from water before it is added to an aquarium. Visit your local tropical fish/aquarium retailer to purchase the appropriate water treatment items to protect your aquatic pets.
What is the Safe Water Act?
In the early 1900’s water professionals worked closely with researchers and health officials, in monitoring and regulating water systems, in order to develop standards to protect public health. In 1974, the federal government created uniform national requirements for public water supplies by passing the original Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA mandated the EPA to establish standards and requirements to protect consumers from harmful contaminants in drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act was updated, in 1986, with additional regulations aimed at improving water quality. With its reauthorization in 1996, the Safe Drinking Water Act strikes a balance among federal, state, local, urban, large and small water system requirements that improve the protection of public health.
