Water Quality and Treatment Solutions in Pinellas Park, Florida

Introduction to Pinellas Park

Pinellas Park is a city located in central Pinellas County, Florida, and is part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. With a population of just over 50,000, Pinellas Park is primarily a residential community, though it does contain some commercial and light industrial areas.

The city has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average high temperature in July is around 90°F, while the average low temperature in January is around 55°F. Annual rainfall averages around 50 inches.

Pinellas Park relies on groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer for its municipal water supply. The Floridan Aquifer underlies all of Florida and parts of several other southern states. It is one of the most productive aquifers in the world, but its water can contain high levels of calcium and magnesium, which makes it "hard" water. Other potential contaminants in the aquifer include iron, sulfur, radon, and various organic chemicals.

Potential Drinking Water Contaminants in Pinellas Park

Pinellas Park's drinking water faces a number of potential contaminant threats, both from the municipal water supply and private wells tapping the Floridan Aquifer.

Municipal Water Supply

The municipal water supply in Pinellas Park comes from groundwater wells pumping from the Floridan Aquifer. Here are some of the key potential contaminants:

• Hardness Minerals: Calcium and magnesium, which make water "hard". Hard water leaves scale and mineral buildup.

• Iron: Iron in water causes rusty coloring, staining, and metallic taste. Levels above 0.3 ppm are usually objectionable.

• Sulfur: Sulfur causes rotten egg odor and taste in water. It can also promote bacterial growth.

• Radon: A radioactive gas that can accumulate in groundwater and be released into the air during water use. Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk.

• Organic Chemicals: Potential contamination from industrial solvents, gasoline additives, pesticides, and other chemicals that may leach into groundwater.

• Lead: Corrosion of old lead pipes and plumbing fixtures can leach lead into drinking water, which poses neurological health risks especially for children.

• Disinfection Byproducts: Chemicals like chloroform and bromate can form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Linked to cancer and birth defects.

• Bacteria and Viruses: Disease-causing pathogens can sometimes penetrate drinking water sources and distribution systems if treatment barriers are inadequate.

Private Well Water

In addition to the municipal supply, many Pinellas Park homes and businesses rely on private wells tapping the Floridan Aquifer. These wells are at risk for all the contaminants above, plus:

• Nitrates: From fertilizers and septic systems. High levels cause "blue baby syndrome" and other health issues.

• Sodium: Natural salt deposits in the aquifer and saltwater intrusion can lead to high sodium levels in well water.

• Hydrogen Sulfide: Wells drilled deep into the aquifer may hit zones high in hydrogen sulfide gas, which gives a "rotten egg" odor.

• Arsenic: A toxic metal that occurs naturally in some groundwater. Linked to skin damage, circulatory issues, and cancer with long-term ingestion.

• Bacteria/Viruses: Shallow wells are at high risk of contamination from septic systems, livestock, wildlife, and surface water. This can introduce E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and other pathogens.

Water Treatment Solutions for Pinellas Park

To address the potential contaminants above, Pinellas Park homeowners and businesses have several effective water treatment options:

Water Softening

AquaLux Water Softeners use an ion exchange process to remove hardness minerals and prevent scale buildup. This provides several benefits:

• Eliminates mineral deposits and extends plumbing system lifespan

• Improves lathering and cleaning ability of soaps and detergents

• Protects water heaters and appliances from scale damage

• Leaves water feeling smooth and silky for bathing and washing

Water softeners are highly effective at removing calcium and magnesium hardness, which will improve issues from the municipal supply or private wells.

Sediment Filtration

Whole house sediment filters like the AquaBlue System use a backwashing filter to remove sand, silt, rust particles and other contaminants down to 3-5 microns in size.

Sediment filtration provides these benefits:

• Reduces dirt, sand and particles that can damage plumbing and appliances

• Removes iron particles that cause rusty water

• Improves clarity and taste by filtering out organic debris

• Extended filter runs by backwashing trapped sediment from the system

Sediment filters are especially helpful in dealing with iron and sulfur issues common in Pinellas Park groundwater.

Carbon Filtration

The AquaCarbonGuard Filter utilizes a high-grade catalytic carbon media that removes a wide range of contaminants:

• Reduces nasty sulfur odor and taste

• Filters out organic chemical compounds like pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents and more

• Helps control radon and hydrogen sulfide gas

• Removes chlorine and chloramine disinfectants for better water taste and odor

Carbon filtration is highly effective at removing organic chemicals like those that may leach into the Floridan Aquifer. It also controls odors and gases like sulfur and radon.

UV Disinfection

UV systems like the AquaGuard use ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without chemicals:

• Provides 99.99% reduction of major pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium

• Disinfects water without adding any chemicals

• Cost-effective and low maintenance solution

• Environmentally friendly and safe

UV disinfection is a great option for private wells to protect against bacteria and viruses that could enter from surface contamination. It also adds a extra level of protection for municipal water.

Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems like the AquaRevive force water through a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants:

• Reduces a wide range of inorganic contaminants including lead, arsenic, nitrates, sodium, and certain heavy metals

• Also effective at removing organic chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and more

• Can eliminate up to 99% of total dissolved solids for purer drinking water

• Provides bottled water quality right from the tap

Reverse osmosis provides comprehensive filtration that can address the majority of potential contaminants in Pinellas Park's water supply. It offers the best quality drinking and cooking water.

Advanced Oxidation

The HydroClear system uses ozone injection and an oxygen infusion chamber to oxidize contaminants. Benefits include:

• Powerful destruction of bacteria, viruses, and parasites

• Breaks down organic chemicals including pesticides and herbicides

• Oxidizes and filters iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese

• Enhances effectiveness of filtration systems

Ozone injection provides advanced oxidation that can handle some of the most problematic well water contaminants.

Whole House Chlorination

For private wells, a retention tank plus chlorine injection system provides disinfection:

• Kills bacteria like E. coli and other disease-causing pathogens

• Provides residual disinfectant to guard against contamination in pipes

• Relatively low cost chemical disinfection system

Chlorination gives the best protection against microbiological threats for private well owners. It also provides a residual disinfectant that protects the distribution system.

Choose the Right Water Treatment for You

The water quality challenges in Pinellas Park can be addressed with the right water treatment solutions. Aqua-Wise offers free water testing to analyze your water and suggest customized solutions. Their experienced technicians will design the ideal water filtration and conditioning system to meet your needs.

Take advantage of current promotions like:

• 15% off whole house filtration systems

• 6 months no interest financing available

• Up to $500 off system installs

Don't settle for contaminated, unhealthy water. Schedule your free water test from the experts at Aqua-Wise today! Their friendly team will test your water and recommend the perfect solutions. Call 727-236-7161 or schedule online. Get clean, healthy water for your home or business.

Sources

• City of Pinellas Park 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

• Floridan Aquifer System Groundwater Quality - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Pinellas County Utilities Water Quality Report

• Private Drinking Water Wells - Florida Department of Health