Davenport's Home for Water Softeners
and Filters

Davenport water quality often faces our share of water filtration and treatment issues:

Davenport sources its water from 7 deep wells that draw water from the Floridian Aquifer. The water undergoes treatment to remove harmful contaminants and receives additions of fluoride and chlorine.

Davenport’s water includes the following contaminants, according to the City of Davenport:

Radium: This naturally occurring radioactive metal can infiltrate groundwater from nearby rocks. Prolonged exposure to radium in drinking water has been linked to an increased cancer risk.

Lead: A hazardous metal that can leach into drinking water from deteriorating pipes and plumbing fixtures. Even minimal exposure to lead can result in developmental challenges in children and various health issues in adults.

Chlorine: Widely used as a disinfectant, chlorine effectively eliminates bacteria but may leave behind an undesirable taste and smell. Additionally, it can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): These byproducts occur when chlorine and other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. Extended exposure to elevated levels of HAA5 may raise the risk of cancer.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM): A group of chemicals produced during water disinfection. Elevated concentrations of TTHMs have been associated with damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, as well as an increased cancer risk.

Chloramine: This disinfectant is created by mixing chlorine with ammonia and serves as an alternative to chlorine in water treatment. However, it can cause problems such as dry skin and a noticeable taste in drinking water.

Copper: This metal can enter drinking water via the corrosion of pipes. Although trace amounts are necessary for good health, excessive copper levels can lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, and potentially serious kidney or liver damage.

While Davenport water may contain these contaminants, according to the City, none of the pollutants exceed the maximum contaminant level set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Davenport’s water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, sourced from 15 public water systems across unincorporated Polk County.

Polk County Utilities, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Florida Department of Health in Polk, follow compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act throughout their water treatment process.

And while the city of Tampa is well equipped to handle and treat water to safe, legal levels, the safest way is always to have your home’s water tested. With a home water test, you can find out what may be in your water, and your local Culligan expert can recommend the right solutions to get the best quality water for your home.

Polk County Utilities employs a multi-step water treatment process designed to ensure that the water is safe and clean for consumption. Key steps in this process include:

Pre-treatment: Before the water is treated, it is analyzed for contaminants. This initial assessment helps determine the necessary treatment methods.

Disinfection: The primary method of disinfection involves chlorination, which eliminates bacteria and pathogens, ensuring the water is safe to drink. As previously mentioned, chlorination can lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts.

Polk County Utilities employs a multi-step water treatment process designed to ensure that the water is safe and clean for consumption. Key steps in this process include:

1. Intake and Screening

The treatment process begins with the intake of water from various sources, including surface water bodies and wells. This water is then screened to remove large debris, such as leaves, twigs, and other objects that may obstruct the treatment process.

2. Coagulation and Flocculation

After the initial screening, chemicals are added to the water to encourage smaller particles to clump together. This process is known as coagulation. Flocculation follows, which involves gently stirring the water to promote the formation of larger clusters, or “flocs,” that can be easily removed.

3. Sedimentation

Once flocs have formed, the water is allowed to sit in a sedimentation basin, where gravity pulls the floc particles down, separating them from the clearer water above. This process significantly reduces suspended solids and contributes to improved water clarity.

4. Filtration

Following sedimentation, the water undergoes filtration through layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal. This step removes impurities and fine particulates that may still be present in the water. The filtration process is critical as it enhances the water’s taste and smell while ensuring that harmful contaminants are further reduced. The multi-layered filtration system effectively captures any remaining bacteria, sediment, and organic material, resulting in clearer and cleaner water ready for disinfection.

5. Disinfection

After filtration, the next crucial step in the treatment process is disinfection. As noted earlier, chlorination is the predominant method used in Davenport to eliminate any remaining pathogens and ensure that the water meets safety standards. In addition to chlorine, other disinfectants like chloramine and ozone may also be used as part of the treatment strategy to further reduce microbial risks. Continuous monitoring of chlorine levels is conducted to maintain optimal disinfection without resulting in excessive byproducts.

6. pH Adjustment

In some cases, the water may require pH adjustment to ensure it is neither too acidic nor too alkaline for safe consumption. This adjustment is essential for preventing corrosion of plumbing systems, which could lead to heavy metals leaching into the water supply.

Even though the county water department uses various treatment processes to ensure the water meets safety standards, contaminants can still make their way into your home. Chemicals like chlorine, byproducts from disinfection, or trace metals such as lead and copper can linger in your water supply, affecting taste, odor, and potentially your health. That’s where Culligan can help.

Culligan offers advanced water treatment systems that provide an extra layer of protection, targeting specific contaminants left behind by municipal treatments. With Culligan, you can enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water right from your tap. Let’s find out how:

1. Whole House Water Filtration Systems: These systems are designed to remove impurities and contaminants from the water supply, providing clean and safe water for all household uses.

2. Water Softeners: Davenport, Florida is known for having hard water, which can cause issues with appliances, plumbing, and skin. A water softener can remove the minerals that cause hardness, resulting in softer and more manageable water.

3. Reverse Osmosis Systems: For residents who prefer drinking purified water, a reverse osmosis system can be installed under the sink to remove impurities and provide clean and great-tasting drinking water.

4. Bottle-Free Water Coolers: Instead of relying on bottled water, residents can opt for bottle-free water coolers that connect directly to the water supply. These coolers provide cold and hot water on demand, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.

Residents all over Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Counties trust Culligan to provide safe, fresh, and great tasting water. We proudly serve the communities of Apollo Beach, Bartow, Brandon, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Clermont, Crystal Springs, Dade City, Davenport, Dover, Eagle Lake, Forte Meade, Frostproof, Gibsonton, Haines City, Kathleen, Lacoochee, Lake Hamilton, Lake Marion, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Land O Lakes, Lithia, Lutz, Mango, Mulberry, New Tampa, Odessa, Plant City, Poinciana, Polk City, Riverview, Ruskin, San Antonio, Seffner, St. Leo, Sun City Center, Sydney, Temple Terrace, Town N Country, Trilby, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, Winterhaven and Zephyrhills.