Regardless of whether you are visiting Florida in the near future or have lived there for your entire life, you might be wondering if you can you use Florida’s tap water as drinking water.
So, is Florida tap water safe to drink? Yes. Like all states throughout the United States, local government agencies are required to follow specific rules and regulations to make sure the water quality is high enough for people to drink.
At the same time, some sources of drinking water in Florida may still contain low levels of certain contaminants and impurities that you may want to remove from your water supply. So, what do you need to know?
Florida’s Tap Water: The Environmental Protection Agency
If you want to drink water straight from the tap in Florida, you should be safe. Any contaminants that are found in the drinking water supply in Florida are typically significantly lower than the levels that have been set by the EPA.
On the other hand, a study that was published taking a look at the water quality in Florida found that the water quality is among the lowest in the nation. Even though the water quality in Florida meets the standards set by the EPA, it might not be as clean as the water in other states in the country.Â
Keep in mind that the water quality can vary from town to town, so it may be worth taking a look at the water quality in your area to see how it compares to standards that have been set by other regulatory authorities, including the EPA. It could be worth investing in a filter to remove some of the contaminants that might be present after leaving the local water treatment plant.
Tap and Drinking Water in Florida: Where It Comes From
Even though Florida is a peninsula, it may come as a surprise to hear that drinking water in Florida does not necessarily come from the coast. In general, it is sourced from water supplies found underground.
There are aquifers located underground that are formed in air pockets in the Earth’s crust, just beneath a thin soil layer. Water seeps through the ground and infiltrates various rock and sediment layers. Eventually, this water is used to refill aquifers, and local water treatment centers tap into these aquifers and use them to supply homes and businesses in the area.
Because the water goes through sediment and rock layers, it can be rich in mineral compounds. When the water is extracted from the aquifer underground, it is put through a water treatment center to remove some of the contaminants that are present.
Possible Contaminants Found in Florida’s Tap Water
Even though the EPA says that tap water in Florida is safe to drink, there may be some contaminants that you would like to know about. Keep in mind that the levels of these contaminants are below the levels that have been set by the EPA, but you may still want to do something about them.
Some of the contaminants that you may want to know about include:
Haloacetic Acids
Usually shortened to HAA5, there are some residents in Florida who could be exposed to haloacetic acids. This compound is produced as a byproduct of substances that are used to kill pathogens that would otherwise be present in our drinking water. The chlorine that is used to kill bacteria and viruses may react with other compounds that occur naturally in drinking water to form HAA5. Long-term exposure could increase someone’s risk of developing chronic medical conditions.
Total Trihalomethanes
Many people in Florida may also be exposed to trihalomethanes, usually shortened to TTHMs. These are volatile compounds that are produced when water is disinfected with chlorine. These compounds could lead to significant negative health effects if people are exposed for a long amount of time.
Arsenic
Some people living in Florida may also be exposed to arsenic. Many people know about arsenic as a potential pesticide, but agricultural and industrial pollution may deposit arsenic into water supplies throughout the state. Exposure to arsenic could also cause people to develop health problems down the road.
Chromium
Some sources of tap water in Florida may also contain a compound called chromium, which can be harmful to someone’s health. Chromium, specifically the hexavalent variety, is a metallic element that is commonly produced during industrial processes. Prolonged exposure to this compound can lead to damage to internal organs.
Nitrate
Nitrate is another common contaminant in water supplies found throughout the country, including Florida. Excessive exposure to nitrate could have an impact on the body’s ability to carry oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues. It can also lead to significant medical problems for women who are pregnant.
Radium
Geology in the local area can also deliver radium to underground sources of water. Then, when the water is extracted and used to supply homes and businesses, some radium may still be present. Large amounts of radium in water supplies can contribute to long-term medical issues.
These are just a few of the many contaminants that could be present in Florida’s drinking water. Keep in mind that these compounds are present and levels that are lower than the maximum set by the EPA, but it might still be worth testing your water supply to see if any of these contaminants are present.
How Can You Remove These Contaminants From Your Water Supply?
Regardless of whether you live in a small town or a major city, there is a chance that some of these contaminants could be present in your water supply. Even if these contaminants are present in levels that are lower than those set by the EPA, long-term exposure could contribute to some health issues. So, how can you remove these contaminants from your water supply?
Identify What Is Present
First, you need to identify which of these contaminants is present in your water supply and to what level they are present. One of the easiest ways to answer this question is to purchase a water testing kit. Using this kit, you can figure out whether these contaminants are present in your water supply and, if they are, to what extent they are present.
Then, once you figure out what type of contaminants you need to remove, you can reach out to an expert who can help you find the right water filtration system to meet your needs.
Use a Water Filter or Water Softener
You can use a water filter to remove many of the contaminants listed above. While the local water treatment center likely has exceptional processes to remove most of these contaminants, it might not be able to remove all of them. Using the information from the water testing kit, you can figure out which filters you need to purify your water supply.
In addition, if you are trying to remove excessive levels of certain minerals, such as magnesium and calcium (which make water hard), you may need a water softener. A water softener is a filtration system that specifically swaps magnesium and calcium for sodium, protecting skin, pipes, and appliances from harm, among other benefits. If you are looking for the best water filters and water softeners, look no further than DROP.
How To Choose a Water Filter
If you want to drink tap water, you can improve your tap water quality by choosing the right water filter.
Some of the most important factors you need to consider include:
- What types of contaminants do you have in your drinking water supply? What do you need to remove?
- What are the levels of those specific contaminants in your water supply?
- Is the filter strong enough to remove all of the contaminants that are present?
- How much water does your household use on a regular basis? Do you think the water filter is big enough?
- What type of maintenance do you need to perform on the water filter to make sure it remains in good working order?
Even if your tap water meets Federal drinking water standards, you may want to improve your water quality with the right water filter. At DROP, we can help you. Our team can go through the different options with you and make sure you find a whole house water filter or water softener that ensures your water supply is better to drink.
Rely on DROP To Help You Better Your Water Supply
At DROP, we are proud to provide you with access to some of the best water filters and smart water softeners on the market today. If you have questions about water filters and water softeners, a member of our team would be happy to help you.
Take a closer look at our selection today, and make sure that you have access to the best drinking water.
