Water Quality Issues in Plant City, Florida and How to Improve It
Introduction to Plant City, Florida
Plant City is a mid-sized city located in Hillsborough County, Florida. With a population of over 40,000 residents, Plant City serves as a suburban community within the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.
The city has a long history rooted in agriculture, particularly strawberry farming. Many events and businesses in Plant City still celebrate the city's strawberry farming heritage. While no longer a major agricultural hub, Plant City is still known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.”
Beyond agriculture, Plant City has a diversifying economy focused on manufacturing, retail, and healthcare services. Major employers include South Florida Baptist Hospital and Berry Plastics Corporation. The historic Plant City Downtown district along E Baker Street offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Plant City provides residents with a small town charm while still being close to Tampa and other larger cities. It features a historic core, ample parks and recreation facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
An Overview of Plant City's Water Sources and Infrastructure
The city of Plant City provides water service to residents and businesses located within the municipal boundaries. The primary source of drinking water is groundwater pumped from the Floridan Aquifer System. The aquifer underlies all of Florida and parts of other southeastern states.
There are 11 active wells pumping groundwater for the city's water supply. These wells are scattered throughout Plant City, with newer wells located further from the downtown area. The raw groundwater is treated at various water treatment facilities using processes like aeration, chlorination, fluoridation, and more.
Over 160 miles of water mains distribute the treated drinking water throughout the city. The water distribution system includes tanks and pumps to maintain adequate pressure. About 5 million gallons of water are used in Plant City per day.
For areas outside city limits, many residents and businesses rely on private wells tapping the same Floridan Aquifer. These well owners are responsible for monitoring and treating their own water.
Potential Contaminants in Plant City's Tap Water
The quality of Plant City's tap water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. However, detectable levels of some contaminants are present:
Microorganisms
Coliform bacteria - Indicator of potential contamination from soil, plants, or animal waste.
E. coli - Specific bacteria indicating sewage contamination.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium - Microscopic parasites from animal/human waste.
Inorganics
Lead - Corrosion of old lead plumbing and fixtures.
Copper - Corrosion of copper pipes and components.
Fluoride - Naturally occurring and added for dental health.
Sodium - Naturally occurring mineral.
Chlorine - Added for disinfection.
Organics
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) - Byproducts of chlorine reacting with organic matter.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) - More disinfection byproducts.
Toluene and xylenes - Fuel and solvent contaminants.
Radionuclides
Radium 226/228 - Naturally occurring radioactive elements.
Alpha emitters - Radioactive particles from natural mineral deposits.
While these contaminants are at safe levels in Plant City's water, their presence indicates potential risks. Changing conditions could allow higher concentrations. Well water draws from the same source but often has higher levels, as it lacks centralized treatment.
Health Risks from Water Contaminants
Many contaminants create no health risk at low levels, but can cause problems as concentrations increase. Here are some key risks:
Bacteria - Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. coli cause digestive illness.
Lead - Neurotoxic heavy metal harming child development.
Copper - Gastrointestinal distress at elevated exposures.
Disinfection byproducts - Linked to cancer and birth defects at high levels.
Radium/radon - Radioactivity elevates cancer risk.
Sodium - Affects those sensitive to sodium for health reasons.
While Plant City's water is safe, individuals with immune deficiencies, infants, and the elderly may choose to take extra precautions against pathogens. Well owners should test for contaminants like arsenic, lead, radon, and bacteria.
Water Treatment Options for Plant City Residents
To enjoy cleaner, healthier water beyond what comes out of the tap, Plant City homeowners have multiple water treatment options:
Whole House Water Filtration
Whole house systems filter all water entering a home. They remove contaminants through filters made of granulated activated carbon, KDF media, and/or sediment filters. Effective for lead, chlorine, particulates, and more.
Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, blocking impurities. RO removes lead along with a wide range of contaminants. Point-of-use systems filter drinking water at a single faucet.
UV Disinfection
UV water purification uses ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It provides effective disinfection without chemicals.
Water Softeners
Water softeners exchange hard mineral ions like calcium and magnesium for sodium ions. This prevents scale buildup and removes hardness. Softeners use salt during the ion exchange process.
Ozone Generators
Ozone generators infuse water with ozone gas. Ozone oxidizes and destroys a wide array of contaminants including lead, pesticides, bacteria, and unwanted odors/tastes.
Well owners have additional options like sediment filters, acid neutralizers, iron removal, and chlorination systems. Combining the right treatments provides complete protection from both aesthetic issues and health risks.
The Benefits of Clean Water in Plant City Homes
Upgrading to cleaner water delivers many advantages:
Better tasting cold water and ice cubes.
Reduce need to buy bottled water.
Improve the look of tap water - no yellow tint, sediment.
Protect plumbing from scale buildup and corrosion.
Softer skin and hair after bathing and showering.
Prevents stains on tubs, sinks and fixtures.
Clothes come out brighter and softer after washing.
Dishes and glasses emerge spotless from the dishwasher.
Promotes overall health and well-being.
Clean water is one of the best investments homeowners can make. We spend so much time using water for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, watering gardens, and more. Ensuring this vital resource is contaminant-free improves every interaction with water.
Professional Water Treatment Installation for Plant City Homes
To leverage the full benefits of home water filtration and purification, rely on professional installation from a water treatment company. They will assess your water, select the right solutions, size systems appropriately, and complete installation and maintenance.
For a free consultation on water treatment options for your Plant City home, contact Aqua Wise today. As leading Hillsborough water treatment experts, we serve all of Tampa Bay with affordable systems, expert service, and long-lasting results.
Schedule Your Free Water Test in Plant City
Take the first step to improving your home's water by scheduling a complimentary water test. Aqua Wise's certified water specialists will come to your home, analyze your water supply, identify issues, and recommend customized solutions.
Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: (727) 236-7161
With better water, your home and family will benefit every day from reduced contaminants, softened water, protection for plumbing, and enhanced quality of drinking and bathing. Contact Aqua Wise to start the process today.
Sources
City of Plant City Annual Water Quality Report
Overview of the Floridan Aquifer System
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:
