Water Quality Issues in Westchase, Florida and Recommended Solutions
Introduction to Westchase
Westchase is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 21,747 at the 2010 census. Westchase is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area.
Westchase has developed rapidly since 1980 as a residential community, with a median household income well above the average for Tampa Bay communities. While much of the area remains residential, several office parks and shopping centers have been developed, most notably the Westchase area around the intersection of Sheldon Road and Linebaugh Avenue. Major shopping centers include Westchase Shopping Center, The Shops at Westchase, and Countryside Centre.
Potential Drinking Water Contaminants in Westchase
The main sources of drinking water for residents of Westchase are groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System and treated surface water from the Tampa Bypass Canal. Depending on the source, various contaminants may be present that can impact health and require treatment:
Potential Contaminants in Well Water from the Floridan Aquifer
Iron - Reddish brown staining of fixtures and laundry, metallic taste. Can promote bacterial growth.
Hydrogen Sulfide - Rotten egg odor, black staining. Corrosive to plumbing.
Manganese - Black staining of fixtures, bitterness in water.
Hardness Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) - Scale buildup, soap scum, dry skin and hair.
Radon - Colorless, odorless gas that can cause lung cancer with long-term exposure at elevated levels.
Arsenic - Linked to cancer and other health effects with long-term ingestion. Often naturally occurs in Florida groundwater.
Bacteria - E. Coli, coliform. Can cause intestinal illness. More common in shallower wells.
Nitrates/Nitrites - Blue baby syndrome and other health effects. Associated with fertilizer runoff.
Sodium - Saltiness in water, issues for those on low-sodium diets.
Chlorides - Salty taste, corrosivity issues.
Sulfates - Rotten egg smell, gastrointestinal issues.
Potential Contaminants in Treated Surface Water from the Tampa Bypass Canal
Disinfection Byproducts - Created when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Linked to cancer and other effects. Includes trihalomethanes.
Lead and Copper - Corrosion of plumbing and fixtures. Lead is a neurotoxin.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) - Manmade chemicals like PFOA. Persist in the environment and body. Linked to cancer and other effects.
Cryptosporidium - Chlorine resistant parasite that causes intestinal illness.
Algal Toxins - From harmful algal blooms. Can cause liver/nervous system damage. An emerging issue with blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee and reservoirs.
Recommended Water Treatment Solutions for Westchase Homes
The good news is that modern water treatment systems can effectively address the potential contaminants found in both well water and city water supplies in the Westchase area. Here are some recommended solutions:
Well Water Treatment
AquaGuard UV System - Disinfects bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light without chemicals. Critical for private wells.
AquaLux Water Softener - Removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup. Uses salt to regenerate.
AquaCarbonGuard Filter - Removes iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese. Uses catalytic carbon media.
HydroClear Ozone Generator - Oxidizes iron, sulfur and manganese. Also disinfects bacteria.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System - Highly effective at removing wide range of contaminants including arsenic, nitrates, sodium and chlorides.
City Water Treatment
AquaBlue Whole House Filter - Reduces lead, PFCs, disinfection byproducts, particulates. Uses catalytic carbon media.
AquaLux Water Softener - Removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup. Uses salt to regenerate.
AquaGuard UV System - Disinfects against chlorine-resistant parasites like Cryptosporidium.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System - Highly effective for removing broad range of contaminants. Great for drinking water and cooking.
Professional Water Testing and System Installation
With the variety of potential water quality issues in the Westchase area, it is important to test your water on a regular basis to understand any risks specific to your home. Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers complete testing services and can recommend the right water treatment system based on your actual water chemistry and needs.
We also handle full installation and ongoing service, with highly trained technicians and great warranties on all our systems.
Limited Time Discounts Up to $1000 Off
For a limited time, Aqua-Wise is offering discounts up to $1000 off select water treatment systems for Westchase area homeowners. We also offer flexible financing options to help you get the important water treatment you need on a budget you can afford. Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today to get started understanding your water and finding the right solutions. Sources:
Wesley Chapel, Florida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Chapel,_Florida
Pasco County Water Atlas: https://pasco.wateratlas.usf.edu/
USGS Water Quality in the Floridan Aquifer System: https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs126-98/fs126-98.pdf
CDC Well Water and Health: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/index.html
Florida Department of Health: https://floridahealth.gov/
US EPA Groundwater and Drinking Water: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
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:
