City of Deland Water Company

What is a cross-connection? A cross-connection occurs when there's any temporary or permanent link between a public water system and a non-potable water source. Examples include connections between municipal water and auxiliary systems like cooling or irrigation systems.

What is backflow? Backflow happens when non-potable water flows backward through cross-connections into the clean water system. This can occur through backpressure or back siphonage, potentially introducing contaminants into your drinking supply.

How can backflow be prevented? Backflow preventers create barriers against contamination. These include air gaps that eliminate cross-connections or mechanical devices like reduced-pressure assemblies, vacuum breaker assemblies, and double-check valve assemblies. Residential dual check valves offer secondary protection.

Understanding backflow risks: Consider this scenario - a homeowner using a garden hose attachment to spray herbicide experiences a water pressure drop, causing chemicals to be drawn back into the hose. Later drinking from this hose could result in accidental poisoning. This illustrates the dangers of back siphonage when pressure drops in water mains, which commonly occurs during firefighting or main repairs.

Protect your water by following these simple steps:

• Never submerge hoses in buckets, pools, or sinks
• Keep hose ends clear of potential contaminants
• Use backflow prevention devices with spray attachments
• Install inexpensive backflow preventers on threaded faucets

Reclaimed water information: Reclaimed water undergoes extensive treatment and disinfection, making it largely free of harmful microorganisms. While excellent for irrigation, it's not suitable for human or animal consumption. As Florida's freshwater demands increase, reclaimed water helps reduce pressure on the Floridan Aquifer, our primary water source.

The City of DeLand works diligently to provide quality water to every tap. We ask all residents to help protect our vital water resources for our community's future.

1. Where does City of Deland water come from?
   City of Deland supplies groundwater to Deland, Florida.
2. Does City of Deland test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Deland must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Deland?
   Call 386-740-6853 or visit 120 S Florida Ave, Deland, FL 32720, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Deland water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Deland water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.