Water Quality Issues in Lutz, Florida and How Aqua-Wise Can Help

Lutz is a charming suburban community located in northern Hillsborough County, Florida. With a population of around 20,000, Lutz provides a quiet small-town feel just a short drive from bustling Tampa. However, when it comes to water quality, Lutz faces some of the same challenges as the rest of the Tampa Bay region. Understanding these issues and potential solutions can help Lutz residents enjoy cleaner, safer water in their homes.

Overview of Lutz

Founded in the early 1900s, Lutz has grown from a tiny railroad stop into a delightful residential area known for its rolling hills and abundant trees. The town features a quaint main street lined with local shops and restaurants. Lutz is highly regarded for its excellent schools, making it popular with families. It provides easy access to Tampa International Airport and downtown Tampa, while retaining a peaceful suburban atmosphere.

Potential Drinking Water Contaminants in Lutz

While Lutz receives its drinking water from Tampa's municipal supply, there are still potential contaminants to consider:

Microorganisms

• E. coli - Disease-causing bacteria from human and animal waste.

• Cryptosporidium - Parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness.

• Giardia lamblia - Parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness.

Inorganic Contaminants

• Lead - Toxic even at low levels; enters water from old pipes and plumbing fixtures.

• Copper - High levels cause gastrointestinal distress; enters from pipes and fixtures.

• Nitrates - Runoff from fertilizer use; can harm infants and pregnant women.

• Arsenic - Known carcinogen enters water from natural deposits and industrial waste.

Disinfection Byproducts

• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) - Carcinogenic byproducts of chlorine disinfection.

• Haloacetic acids (HAA) - Carcinogenic byproducts of chlorine disinfection.

Radiological Contaminants

• Radium 226/228 - Radioactive elements known to cause cancer.

• Uranium - Radioactive element and known carcinogen.

Other Contaminants

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - Persistent chemical linked to cancer and other conditions.

• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) - Persistent chemical associated with developmental issues.

• Chromium-6 - Potential carcinogen from industrial waste.

Potential Well Water Contaminants in Lutz

Many Lutz homes rely on private wells accessing the Floridan aquifer. Common well water contaminants include:

Microorganisms

• E. coli

• Total coliform bacteria

• Iron bacteria - Causes staining and fouling of fixtures and plumbing.

Inorganic Contaminants

• Arsenic

• Lead

• Mercury - Neurotoxin that enters well water from natural deposits.

• Nitrates

• Sodium - Elevated levels make water unsuitable for drinking.

Organic Contaminants

• Gasoline and fuel leaks - Benzene and other hydrocarbons.

• Solvents, degreasers, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Pesticides and herbicides - Runoff from lawns, farms, and golf courses.

Other Contaminants

• Hydrogen sulfide - Corrosive gas causes rotten egg odor.

• Sulfur bacteria - Causes foul odors, staining, and plugging issues.

• Sediment - Particles that make water appear cloudy.

Recommended Water Treatment Solutions for Lutz Homes

The good news for Lutz residents is that Aqua-Wise offers a full range of advanced water treatment systems to address nearly any water quality issue.

For Municipal Water:

• AquaLux Water Softener - Removes hardness and prevents scale buildup.

• AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter - Reduces chlorine, disinfection byproducts, and bad tastes and odors.

• AquaBlue Whole House Filter System - Removes sediments and particulate matter.

• AquaGuard UV System - Disinfects against bacteria and microorganisms.

• AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System - Highly effective at removing inorganic contaminants.

For Well Water:

• HydroClear Ozone Generator - Oxidizes iron, sulfur, and manganese while disinfecting.

• AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter - Eliminates VOCs, pesticides, and other organic chemicals.

• AquaGuard UV Disinfection - Kills bacteria and pathogens.

• WellFusion Well Water Treatment System - Comprehensive solution tailored for private wells.

• HydroTech Pro Commercial System - Heavy duty treatment for homes with especially contaminated well water.

For Both Municipal and Well Water:

• Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System - Provides regulated disinfection when needed.

• AquaSoft Pro Series - Upgraded softener for superior hardness removal.

• AquaBlueMax Whole House Carbon Filter - High-capacity filtration for large homes.

• Commercial Water Treatment Solutions - For restaurants, businesses, schools, etc.

Why Lutz Homeowners Should Schedule a Free Water Test

The first step toward cleaner, safer water is to get your water tested by Aqua-Wise's experts. We offer a complimentary consultation and water analysis to identify any issues or contaminants in your water. Once we know exactly what you're dealing with, we can recommend the ideal treatment solution for your home.

There's no cost or obligation for the initial water testing. Schedule your appointment today and one of our certified technicians will come to your home to collect samples and discuss treatment options. Knowing your water quality will give you peace of mind and allow you to take action if any problems are detected.

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

Understanding Lutz's Water Source - The Floridan Aquifer

The primary source of groundwater for Lutz is the prolific Floridan aquifer system. This vast underground reservoir spans 100,000 square miles across Florida and several southern states. In most of Florida, the Floridan aquifer lies beneath a layer of clay and sand that helps protect it from contamination. However, there are vulnerabilities in certain areas.

The upper Floridan aquifer is more permeable and prone to infiltration in places where the protective clay layer is thin or naturally breached. Contaminants on the land surface can leach down through sandy soils in these regions. The Tampa Bay area is one location with increased contamination risks for the Floridan aquifer.

Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, stormwater runoff, and wastewater can all impact groundwater quality if not properly managed. In addition, over-pumping and excessive water use have caused sinkholes and saltwater intrusion in parts of the aquifer. Proactive stewardship is needed to safeguard the Floridan aquifer for future generations.

Aqua-Wise is committed to protecting our water resources while also providing Lutz homeowners with solutions for removing contaminants from their water supply. Advanced treatment technology combined with professional experience allows us to deliver clean, safe water for the residents we serve.

Sources

Tampa Bay Water: https://www.tampabaywater.org/drinking-water-quality/water-quality-testing-and-results

Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection: https://fldep.dep.state.fl.us/swapp/Aquifer.asp

USGS Water Science School: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/floridan-aquifer-system-and-biscayne-aquifer

Lutz, Florida: https://lutzfl.com/

Hillsborough County: http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/government/boards-and-committees/public-utilities-water-quality-and-treatment-advisory-committee

EPA Groundwater and Drinking Water: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water