Water Quality Issues in Belleair Beach, FL and How to Fix Them
Belleair Beach is a small beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, Florida. With a population of just over 1,500 people, Belleair Beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. The town is located on the Barrier Islands that separate the Gulf from the Intracoastal Waterway.
Belleair Beach is a popular tourist destination thanks to its white sand beaches, calm waters, and abundance of beachfront accommodations. The town also has a quaint downtown area with shops, restaurants, and lodging. While Belleair Beach is small, it offers visitors a classic Florida beach vacation experience. Other locations:
Potential Water Contaminants in Belleair Beach
The water quality in Belleair Beach is generally good, but there are some potential contaminants to be aware of:
Contaminants in Municipal Water
The municipal water system in Belleair Beach is supplied by Pinellas County Utilities. The main potential contaminants found in treated municipal water include:
Disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids - These can form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water.
Lead and copper - Corrosion of old pipes and plumbing can lead to elevated levels of these metals in water.
Nitrates - Runoff from fertilizers can cause increased nitrate levels. High levels are especially dangerous for infants.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) - The mineral content of hard water can be increased by desalination treatment.
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) - PFCs from industrial sources may contaminate source water.
Contaminants in Private Well Water
Homes that rely on private wells are at higher risk for contamination:
Bacteria - Wells are prone to bacterial growth, especially coliform bacteria.
Nitrates - Septic systems and fertilizer runoff can leach nitrates into well water.
Heavy metals - Industrial pollution and natural deposits can contaminate well water. Arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are top concerns.
Radon - A radioactive gas that enters wells from surrounding rock. Long-term exposure increases cancer risk.
Salinity - Saltwater intrusion from rising sea levels threatens coastal wells.
Pesticides - Runoff from lawns and agriculture can send pesticides into wells.
Recommended Water Treatment Solutions
To address the potential contaminants in Belleair Beach's water, homeowners and businesses may want to consider installing water filtration systems:
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane that removes contaminants. RO effectively eliminates:
Lead and copper
Bacteria
Pesticides
Nitrates
Arsenic
RO also reduces total dissolved solids. The addition of a remineralization filter can restore beneficial minerals removed by the RO membrane.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon adsorbs contaminants through a process called adsorption. AC is excellent at removing:
PFCs
Pesticides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Disinfection byproducts
Lead
Mercury
Regular replacement of the carbon media is needed to maintain effectiveness.
UV Disinfection
UV light destroys microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. UV systems inactivate:
Bacteria
Viruses
Mold
Fungi
UV disinfection provides an alternative to chlorination and avoid disinfection byproducts.
Water Softening
Water softeners use ion exchange to reduce hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. Softeners help:
Reduce total dissolved solids
Prevent scale buildup
Improve soap performance
Call to Action
Homeowners and businesses in Belleair Beach should test their water regularly for contaminants and consider installing water treatment solutions if problems are found.
Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers full lab testing and a range of treatment options to improve water quality. Schedule your FREE water test today or call 727-236-7161 to learn more.
Sources
EPA - Drinking Water Contaminants
Florida Dept of Health - Pinellas County Water Quality Report
Filtrated Soft Water Solves Many Problems
Hard water can cause a wide range of problems that affect various aspects of daily life and household functions. Here is a comprehensive list of the issues that hard water can cause:
