Water Quality Issues in Saint Leo, Florida and How to Improve It

Saint Leo is a small town in Pasco County, Florida known for its beautiful natural surroundings and home to Saint Leo University. However, beneath its picturesque exterior, Saint Leo faces some concerning water quality issues that residents should be aware of.

Overview of Saint Leo, Florida

Saint Leo was established in 1882 and had a population of 1,351 as of the 2010 census. It sits on gently rolling hills about 5 miles east of I-75 and is surrounded by forests and wetlands. The area's natural beauty and small-town charm make it a desirable place to live.

Saint Leo is also home to Saint Leo University, a private Catholic university founded in 1889. The university has been a core part of the community for over a century. With more than 16,000 students across all programs, it shapes life in Saint Leo both culturally and economically.

Potential Water Contaminants in Saint Leo

Unfortunately, beneath its attractive surface, Saint Leo's water supply faces some potentially troubling contaminants from both municipal sources and private wells. These can pose health risks if consumed over time and decrease the aesthetic quality of water.

Municipal Water Contaminants

Saint Leo's municipal water is supplied by Pasco County Utilities. The main source is groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System drawn from wells throughout the county. This water is disinfected but not filtered before delivery.

Potential contaminants found in Pasco County's municipal water supply include:

• Disinfection byproducts like total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) from chlorine treatment

• Lead and copper from old plumbing fixtures and pipes

• Radium, a radioactive element occurring naturally in the aquifer

• Inorganic chemicals like fluoride, sodium, nitrates, and sulfates

• Total dissolved solids (TDS) which affect taste and mineral content

Higher levels of these substances may occur sporadically due to seasonal changes, drum releases, backflow, leaks, and other factors. Monitoring and treatment aim to keep them within regulated limits.

Private Well Water Contaminants

Residents relying on private wells face additional risks from contaminants commonly found in groundwater in this region. These include:

• Coliform bacteria from surface water infiltration

• Nitrates from fertilizers and septic tanks

• Heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, or lead leaching from rock formations

• Petroleum compounds, solvents, pesticides, or herbicides from nearby spills or usage

• Chlorides, sulfates, and total dissolved solids from saltwater intrusion

Bacterial contamination poses an immediate health risk. The other substances can accumulate over years of exposure. Testing well water annually helps detect problems early before they become more worrisome.

Improving Saint Leo's Water Quality

Fortunately, there are effective treatment solutions that can remove these contaminants and improve water quality for homes and businesses in Saint Leo.

Point-of-Entry Systems

For municipal water, a whole house filtration system is recommended. The AquaBlue Whole House Filter uses a multi-stage filtration process to reduce lead, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, particulates, and other impurities. It protects all the taps in a home without needing separate faucet filters.

To address specific issues, you can combine the AquaBlue with targeted systems:

• The AquaLux Water Softener reduces calcium and magnesium responsible for hard water.

• The HydroClear Ozone Generator is effective for heavy metals removal.

• The AquaGuard UV System kills bacteria and microorganisms.

• The AquaCarbonGuard Filter reduces chlorine by-products.

This tailored combination ensures the filtration matches Saint Leo's water issues.

Well Water Treatment Systems

For private wells, a treatment system like the WellFusion delivers comprehensive contaminant removal. It integrates ultrafiltration, UV sterilization, and carbon filtration into one high-performance package. This addresses heavy metals, microorganisms, chemicals, sediment, hard minerals, and other impurities in well water.

Automatic backwashing and low maintenance make WellFusion systems convenient for homeowners to operate. They provide a powerful all-in-one water treatment solution for well water.

Commercial and Industrial Applications

For large facilities, schools, restaurants, offices, and other businesses in Saint Leo, HydroTech Pro Commercial Systems deliver advanced water purification on a bigger scale.

Custom engineering based on the application, water source, and usage ensures optimal results. Water testing determines the specific treatment steps needed for the site's water conditions.

Ensure High-Quality Water for Saint Leo with Aqua-Wise

In summary, Saint Leo's water faces some problematic contaminants from municipal and well sources that can affect health and aesthetics. But effective treatment solutions are available to remove these impurities. Aqua-Wise offers a full range of residential and commercial systems to improve water quality in Saint Leo.

Schedule a free water test to analyze your water and get expert recommendations tailored to your property. With customized treatment, you can enjoy better water for drinking, bathing, appliances, and peace of mind.

Contact Aqua-Wise today at (727) 236-7161 for a water quality assessment and treatment options for your home or business in the Saint Leo area.