City of Mount Dora

Sources of municipal water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through underground aquifers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, or agricultural activities.
• Pesticides and Herbicides: These may come from various sources including farming, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage.
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining operations.

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe tap water. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. How often is Mount Dora's water tested?
2. What causes the hardness in Mount Dora's water?
3. Should residents with specific health conditions take extra precautions?
4. How can residents report water quality concerns?
5. Are home water filtration systems recommended for Mount Dora residents?