City of Eustis

Our tap water undergoes regular monitoring and we're pleased to present this annual report covering all water testing conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Over the years, we've committed to delivering water that meets all state and federal standards.

We continuously adopt new methods to provide high-quality tap water to homes and businesses across our service area. As new water safety challenges emerge, we remain vigilant in protecting our water sources, promoting conservation, and educating our community while meeting the needs of all consumers.

Important Health Information
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, certain elderly persons, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about their tap water consumption. Guidelines from the EPA and CDC on reducing infection risks from microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or http://water.epa.gov/drink/hotline.

Our Water Source
Tap water sources (including both municipal and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential Contaminants Include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

Understanding Water Quality
All tap water, including bottled water, reasonably contains at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Eustis Water Supply
Our water comes from the reliable Floridan Aquifer groundwater source. The utility pumps water from nine wells into aerators to remove hydrogen sulfide, a natural compound common in Florida water. The water then undergoes chlorination (for disinfection), fluoridation (for dental health), and storage in ground tanks before being pumped to elevated tanks and into the distribution system.

Sorrento Springs customers receive water from our Eastern Water Treatment Plant, also sourced from the Floridan Aquifer via two wells. This water undergoes aeration for hydrogen sulfide removal, chlorination for disinfection, and ground storage before distribution.

Heathrow Country Estates water comes from two Floridan Aquifer wells. After aeration to remove hydrogen sulfide and chlorination for disinfection, the water is stored in ground tanks before distribution to customers.

Source Water Assessment
In 2016, the Department of Environmental Protection conducted a Source Water Assessment of our systems. This assessment identified potential contamination sources near our wells. The City of Eustis system has 6 potential contamination sources with low to moderate susceptibility levels. The Eustis Eastern system has seven potential sources with low susceptibility levels, while the Heathrow Country Estates system has one potential source with a low susceptibility level. Assessment results are available at www.dep.state.florida.us/swap or by calling the City of Eustis Water Department at (352) 357-5618.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes the occasional chlorine smell in my tap water?
   The chlorine smell indicates the disinfection process working to keep your water safe from harmful bacteria. Letting water sit in an open container or running it briefly before use can reduce this smell.
2. Is Eustis water hard or soft?
   Eustis water tends to be moderately hard due to natural minerals in our groundwater source. This can sometimes cause scaling on fixtures and appliances.
3. Should I be concerned about contaminants mentioned in water reports?
   Detected contaminants are typically present at levels below EPA health limits. Annual reports provide transparency about what's in your water and confirm compliance with safety standards.
4. How often is Eustis water tested?
   Water testing occurs daily at treatment facilities and throughout the distribution system according to EPA-mandated schedules. Different contaminants have different testing frequencies.

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