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Chlorine Dioxide

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Chlorine Dioxide Contamination in Tampa Bay Drinking Water

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a water disinfectant used to control microbes and has been found as a contaminant in drinking water supplies in some areas of Tampa Bay. While regulated and safe at low levels, elevated concentrations of chlorine dioxide in drinking water can pose health risks. Let's explore where ClO2 has been detected, associated health effects, and water treatment solutions for residents of Tampa Bay.

ClO2 Detections in Tampa Bay Counties and Cities

The following Tampa Bay counties and cities have had detections of chlorine dioxide in their municipal or well water supplies at concerning levels requiring treatment:

Hillsborough County

  • Apollo Beach

  • Brandon

  • Carrollwood

  • Cheval

  • Dover

  • Gibsonton

  • Lake Magdalene

  • Lutz

  • Mango

  • Riverview

  • Ruskin

  • Seffner

  • Sun City Center

  • Tampa

  • Temple Terrace

  • Thonotosassa

  • Town 'n' Country

  • Valrico

Pinellas County

  • Belleair

  • Clearwater

  • Dunedin

  • Gulfport

  • Indian Rocks Beach

  • Indian Shores

  • Kenneth City

  • Largo

  • Madeira Beach

  • Oldsmar

  • Palm Harbor

  • Pinellas Park

  • Redington Beach

  • Redington Shores

  • Safety Harbor

  • Seminole

  • South Pasadena

  • St. Pete Beach

  • St. Petersburg

  • Tarpon Springs

  • Tierra Verde

  • Treasure Island

Pasco County

  • Bayonet Point

  • Hudson

  • Hudson Beach

  • New Port Richey

  • New Port Richey East

  • Odessa

  • Port Richey

  • San Antonio

  • Spring Hill

  • Wesley Chapel

  • Zephyrhills

Polk County

  • Auburndale

  • Davenport

  • Dundee

  • Eagle Lake

  • Lake Alfred

  • Lake Wales

  • Lakeland

  • Winter Haven

Hernando County

  • Brooksville

  • Spring Hill

  • Weeki Wachee

Is Chlorine Dioxide in Drinking Water a Health Concern?

In small amounts, chlorine dioxide acts as an effective disinfectant against waterborne pathogens like giardia and E. coli. However, at elevated levels it can pose health risks, particularly for sensitive populations like children and the elderly.

Potential health effects from chlorine dioxide exposure through drinking water include:

  • Irritation of the esophagus and stomach

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Headache and fatigue

  • Anemia

  • Disruption of thyroid function

The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 0.8 mg/L for chlorine dioxide in drinking water. Levels above this can be unsafe for human consumption over prolonged periods. Those with private wells are at highest risk if chlorine dioxide is naturally occurring and entering groundwater supplies.

Chlorine dioxide is also reactive, and can combine with organic matter to form harmful byproducts like chlorite and chlorate. Chlorite itself is regulated to under 1 mg/L in drinking water.

Water Treatment Solutions for Chlorine Dioxide

If chlorine dioxide has been detected in your home or business's water supply, the following treatment solutions can effectively reduce concentrations to safe levels:

AquaLux Water Softener

A water softener uses ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not directly targeting chlorine dioxide, water softening can help by eliminating compounds that chlorine dioxide would otherwise react with.

AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter

Catalytic carbon filtration combines activated carbon with a catalytic alloy media. The carbon targets organic contaminants while the catalyst helps remove chlorine dioxide and other inorganic compounds through an oxidation-reduction reaction.

AquaBlue Whole House Filter

A whole house filter uses a sediment pre-filter and activated carbon to treat all water entering a home. While not specific to chlorine dioxide, it will help reduce concentrations.

AquaGuard UV Disinfection

UV systems inactivate pathogens using ultraviolet light. They offer an alternative to chemical disinfectants like chlorine dioxide while still protecting against bacteria.

Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection

For municipal water treatment, chlorine dioxide is often reduced by converting it into chlorine through a retention tank and chlorine injection system.

HydroClear Ozone Generator

An ozone generator introduces ozone into water to oxidize contaminants. Ozone is highly reactive with chlorine dioxide and can be effective at reducing concentrations.

AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis

A reverse osmosis system pushes water through a membrane, filtering out contaminants. RO effectively removes chlorine dioxide and can provide clean drinking water from contaminated source water.

HydroTech Pro Commercial Treatment

For schools, businesses, or large facilities, commercial water treatment systems like HydroTech Pro offer custom solutions tailored to the contaminants detected, including chlorine dioxide removal.

WellFusion Well Water Treatment

Private well owners can implement well water treatment with the WellFusion system, combining several filtration technologies to address hard water, metals, bacteria, and contaminants like chlorine dioxide entering from groundwater.

Protect Your Health With Clean Water

Don't let chlorine dioxide or other contaminants threaten you and your family's health. The Floridan Aquifer's complex geology and prevalence of private wells increases the risk of contamination issues for many Tampa Bay residents. But modern water treatment provides effective solutions.

To learn more about chlorine dioxide, hard water, and other impacts on your water quality and health, visit our educational blog and resources.

Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: 727-236-7161

Our experts will come test your water and recommend the perfect treatment solutions for your needs and budget. Take advantage of discounts, promotions, and financing options to improve your home or business's water quality today!

Sources:

EPA - Chlorine Dioxide

CDC - Disinfection with Chlorine Dioxide

Florida Department of Health - Understanding Drinking Water Contaminants

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