Water Quality Issues and Solutions in Tampa, Florida

Introduction to Tampa

Tampa is a major city located on the west coast of Florida. With a population of over 377,000, it is the third most populous city in the state. Tampa is situated on Tampa Bay, which provides access to the Gulf of Mexico. The city has a humid subtropical climate and is known for its pleasant weather, making it a popular tourist destination.

Overview of Tampa's Water Sources

The main sources of drinking water for Tampa residents come from groundwater drawn from the Floridan Aquifer System, one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world. The Floridan Aquifer underlies all of Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. It provides high-quality drinking water for much of the state.

Tampa also utilizes surface water from the Hillsborough River Reservoir and the Tampa Bypass Canal for drinking water. The Hillsborough River Reservoir is an artificial lake created by damming the Hillsborough River northeast of the city. The Tampa Bypass Canal connects the Hillsborough River to Tampa Bay.

Potential Contaminants in Tampa's Water

Although Tampa's water sources provide high-quality drinking water, they are still susceptible to contamination from natural and human-caused sources. Potential contaminants found in Tampa's water include:

Microbial Contaminants

• Pathogens like cryptosporidium, giardia, and coliform bacteria from animal or human waste. These can cause gastrointestinal illness.

• Viruses like norovirus, hepatitis A, and rotavirus from sewage contamination. These can also lead to gastrointestinal illness.

• Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba naturally found in warm freshwater that can cause a rare but deadly brain infection.

Inorganic Contaminants###

• Arsenic, barium, chromium, mercury, and nitrates from natural deposits, mining, industry or agriculture runoff. These can have toxic effects.

• Lead and copper which can leach from plumbing and pipes. Lead is toxic, especially to children.

Organic Contaminants###

• Disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Linked to cancer and birth defects.

• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural and urban runoff. Many are carcinogenic.

• Petroleum compounds like MTBE from leaking underground tanks. These have toxic effects.

• Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from industrial sources. Linked to cancer and developmental issues.

Radionuclides###

• Radon, radium, and uranium naturally occurring in rock and soil. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.

Other Issues###

• Salinity changes in Tampa Bay affecting the Hillsborough River Reservoir.

• Algal blooms in surface waters caused by nutrient pollution. Some algae produce toxins.

• Aging infrastructure like water main breaks which can allow contaminants to enter the water supply.

Potential Well Water Contaminants in Tampa

In addition to municipal water sources, many Tampa residents rely on private wells for drinking water. Well water is also vulnerable to contamination, including:

• Bacteria like E. coli from septic systems, livestock, and wildlife waste

• Nitrates from fertilizers, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits

• Salinity and chloride from saltwater intrusion into aquifers near the coast

• Radon and arsenic leaching from rock formations

• Petroleum compounds, solvents, and other chemicals from leaking underground storage tanks or spills

• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural and lawn care use

• Lead and copper from plumbing components and corrosive water

Proper construction, regular testing, and maintenance are critical for ensuring safe well water quality. Contaminants like bacteria and nitrates can quickly affect wells after rainfall or flooding.

Water Treatment Solutions for Tampa

To address the potential contaminants found in Tampa's drinking water, both municipal and residential treatment solutions are available:

Municipal Treatment Solutions

• Ozonation to disinfect against pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia

• Activated carbon filtration to remove organic contaminants like disinfection byproducts

• Corrosion control to reduce lead and copper levels from plumbing

• Fluoridation for dental health

Residential Water Treatment

• Activated carbon filtration using systems like the AquaBlue Whole House Filter to remove organic contaminants, pesticides, and herbicides

• Reverse osmosis filtration with the AquaRevive System to remove inorganic and radioactive contaminants, nitrates, and sodium

• UV disinfection using the AquaGuard System to inactivate pathogens like bacteria and viruses

• Water softeners like the AquaLux to reduce hardness and remove metals like lead and copper

• Ozone injection with the HydroClear Ozone Generator for disinfection and removal of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide odors

• Catalytic carbon filtration with AquaCarbonGuard to reduce chlorine taste and odor, remove organic contaminants

• Specialty systems like WellFusion for comprehensive well water treatment

• Commercial water treatment with HydroTech Pro designed for restaurants, businesses, etc.

Proper water testing and analysis by experts is recommended to identify specific treatment needs based on water chemistry and quality. Systems can be combined for whole house protection.

Conclusion - Clean Water for Tampa

While Tampa's water sources are high quality, contamination can still occur. With proper municipal treatment protocols and residential water filtration systems from Aqua-Wise, Tampa residents can enjoy access to clean, safe drinking water.

For a free Tampa area water test and consultation on water treatment solutions for your home or business, schedule an appointment online or call (727) 236-7161. Investing in clean water is important for your health and peace of mind.

Sources

City of Tampa Water Quality Report

Hillsborough County Public Utilities Water Quality Information

Floridan Aquifer System - USGS

Well Water and Ground Water - Hillsborough County

Drinking Water Contaminants - CDC

Water Treatment Solutions - EPA