City of Niceville

How Homeowners Can Reduce Polluted Runoff:

• Replace impervious surfaces with porous pavement materials for driveways and walkways
• Swap high-maintenance lawns with native plants and mulch
• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep debris rather than hosing it off
• Create compost piles instead of discarding yard waste
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to minimize harmful pesticide use
• Clean up after pets properly
• Store and dispose of household chemicals safely

Vehicle owners should:

• Check for and repair fluid leaks promptly
• Recycle motor oil and antifreeze
• Use car wash facilities that prevent runoff

Septic system maintenance includes professional inspection every 3-5 years and practicing water conservation to extend system life.

For new development, developers and planners should implement low-impact strategies that preserve natural areas, particularly sensitive hydrologic zones like riparian buffers, while maximizing infiltration opportunities.

For existing development, municipalities should focus on pollution "hot spots" and implement multi-benefit approaches like high-efficiency street sweeping. Local governments can lead public education efforts through signage, storm drain marking, and community partnerships.

1. HOW DOES WATER REACH MY HOME?
   Water is stored in four elevated tanks situated on the highest terrain in town. Gravity allows water to flow from these tanks through a network of large pipes that branch into smaller lines leading to individual homes, delivering water at the turn of a tap. While gravity provides the force to move water from tanks to homes, pumps are needed to move water from source wells to the storage tanks. These tanks are crucial during peak usage periods when demand exceeds direct pump capacity.
2. IS MY TAP WATER CLEAN?
   Municipal water naturally contains trace impurities from contact with rocks, soil, vegetation, and human activities. All water from Niceville's wells undergoes treatment before distribution to ensure it's both palatable and safe for consumption.
3. WHY ARE THERE SIGNS ABOUT OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTIONS?
   During warmer months, water usage increases by approximately 50%, placing significant strain on well pumping capacity. Niceville's water district has implemented bylaws limiting outdoor water usage to ensure adequate supply for all residents. Without these restrictions, water resources could be depleted to dangerous levels, potentially requiring a complete ban on outdoor water use.
4. IS MY TAP WATER SAFE?
   The Niceville Water District fully complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act. All water undergoes treatment for corrosion control, disinfection, volatile organic compound removal, and iron/manganese sequestration. The district regularly tests for over 100 different contaminants and immediately takes corrective action if any exceed health standards.
5. WHAT CAUSES DISCOLORED WATER?
   Several factors can cause discoloration:
   • Milky appearance: Usually caused by air bubbles that clear with time
   • Brown/orange water: Often iron-related, possibly from hot water heaters, old pipes, or recent line breaks
   • Black specks: Typically manganese deposits requiring line flushing
   • Yellow tint: Requires investigation as causes vary
6. WHY DO I HAVE BLUE/GREEN STAINS ON FIXTURES?
   These stains result from copper, which may naturally occur in groundwater or leach from copper pipes. New copper pipes initially release small amounts of copper that typically decrease over time. However, corrosive water can cause ongoing copper leaching. The Water District adds potassium hydroxide and polyphosphates to reduce corrosivity and minimize copper levels in your water.