DID YOU KNOW water quality reports, also known as “Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs),” are annual documents that all public water systems are required to provide to you via mail and online. These reports are supposed to provide important information about the quality of the drinking water delivered over the previous year.

They can be difficult to read or understand. They are often many pages long and contain complex tables and charts. Culligan Water wants to change this and help you MAKE SENSE OF YOUR WATER.

This easy-to-read report will provide you with the following:

Known violations in this water system that have happened in the last five years. To learn more about the violations visit the source at the EPA Echo site.

Radioactive contaminants can include substances like radium, uranium, and radon. These contaminants can enter water sources through natural deposits or as a result of human activities like mining.

Inorganic contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, or corrosion of plumbing systems.

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with natural organic matter in the water. Common DBPs include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). One thing to note is that while some states have public health goals around all of these contaminants, Florida does not. Therefore, there is no state-mandated goal for contaminants such as HAA5 or TTHM.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as ‘Forever Chemicals,’ water contamination impacts residents in many places across the United States, including the Tampa Bay area. Florida’s most recent legislation against PFAS require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish specific cleanup levels for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, and soil by 2025.

On April 10, 2024, the United States government introduced its first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect citizens from PFAS forever chemicals. While this is a major development in the regulation of PFAS, there are over 12,000 types of PFAS, and only six types are being regulated by the EPA.

For reference, a part per trillion (ppt) is roughly equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools or one second in 32,000 years. These updated interim Health Advisory Levels are below the detection capabilities of current laboratory testing technology. They serve as interim guidance until formal regulations or Maximum Contaminant Levels are established.

1) Infrastructure Improvements: Tampa’s water utility has undertaken several infrastructure improvements, including upgrading treatment facilities and distribution systems. They have implemented new technologies to enhance water quality monitoring and management. Future plans include expanding treatment capacity, upgrading pipelines, and implementing advanced treatment methods to address emerging contaminants. These efforts aim to improve water reliability and meet growing demand while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

2) Water Sources and Usage: Tampa’s primary water sources include the Hillsborough River, the Morris Bridge Wellfield, and the Tampa Bypass Canal. The Hillsborough River serves as the main source, supplemented by the other two during peak demand or drought conditions. The city manages these sources to maintain a sustainable supply, using advanced treatment processes to ensure water meets all health and safety standards. Conservation efforts and infrastructure improvements help optimize water usage and reduce waste.

3) PFAS: The report indicates that Tampa is monitoring Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as per EPA guidelines, which currently do not have a federally mandated limit. The city is proactively testing for PFAS and other emerging contaminants, following state and federal regulatory developments closely. They are prepared to implement additional measures if stricter regulations are introduced to ensure the safety and health of the public.

4) TDS and Organic Contamination Issues: The report acknowledges potential concerns such as occasional taste and odor issues due to natural organic materials.