City of Leesburg

Where Does My Water Come From?
All of our Treatment Facilities (City, East, Highland Lakes, Plantation, and Royal Highlands) draw groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer in the Ocklawaha Watershed. For disinfection, we use Chlorine gas at the East water system and Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite at our other facilities. These disinfectants protect against bacterial contamination while carefully balancing safety and taste concerns.

Our Water Infrastructure
Our system includes eighteen wells ranging from 250 to 1000 feet deep. We maintain ground storage tanks and elevated towers with a combined capacity of 5.975 million gallons. We serve 18,880 meter connections with an average daily flow of 7.641 million gallons. Water hardness typically measures between 7-8 grains (125-143 mg of calcium carbonate per liter).

Source Water Assessment
In 2016, the Department of Environmental Protection evaluated our water sources. The City system showed some contamination sources with moderate susceptibility levels, one with high susceptibility, and one with low susceptibility. The Airport system and Mall system showed potential contamination sources, while Highland Lakes, Plantation, and Royal Highlands systems showed none. Assessment results are available at the FDEP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program website.

Potential Water Contaminants
Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it can pick up various substances:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, or industrial discharge
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or mining/oil production

Water Safety Standards
The EPA regulates public water systems, while the FDA regulates bottled water, both ensuring public health protection. Some contaminants may reasonably be expected in water supplies, but this doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead in Home Plumbing
Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. While we provide quality water, we can't control materials used in household plumbing. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after it has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider water testing. More information is available from the Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Important Health Information
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. How often is Leesburg's municipal water tested?
2. What causes the hardness in Leesburg's water supply?
3. How can residents protect themselves from potential contaminants?
4. Are water filters recommended for Leesburg households?
5. Where can residents view complete water testing results?