City of Panama City Beach

Deer Point Reservoir was established in 1961 as a freshwater source for Bay County residents. Water is pumped several miles to the Bay County Water Treatment Facility, which employs conventional treatment methods including:

• Coagulation and flocculation
• Sedimentation and filtration
• pH adjustment and disinfection
• Fluoridation and corrosion control

The treatment process begins with adding lime to increase alkalinity, allowing better reaction with ferric sulfate (the primary coagulant) to remove particles and organic materials. Additional processes include:

• Polymer addition to assist with flocculation
• Sodium hypochlorite for maintaining disinfection
• Zinc orthophosphate to reduce water corrosiveness
• Hydrofluosilicic acid for dental health benefits
• Final lime addition to optimize pH levels

These processes meet standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Bay County supplies water to Panama City Beach Ground Storage and Pumping Facilities, with the City purchasing 100% of its water from the County.

The City maintains its own storage, pumping, and transmission system, occasionally adding chlorine when levels from the County drop below requirements. The Panama City Beach water system did not detect elevated lead levels in recent testing.

However, if present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health concerns, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. To reduce potential lead exposure, run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after periods of non-use. If concerned, consider having your water tested. More information about lead in drinking water is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK WELCOME
For questions about this report or the water utility, contact Mr. Spence Moschella, Water Treatment Superintendent at (850)236-3215. For additional assistance, contact City Hall at (850)233-5100. The Panama City Beach Council meets twice monthly on the second Thursday (6 PM) and fourth Thursday (9 AM) at City Hall, 110 S. Arnold Rd. The public is welcome to participate.

WATER ASSESSMENT
In 2017, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted a Source Water Assessment for the Bay County water system. The assessment identified potential contamination risks, rating the system as high risk due to multiple potential contamination sources. Results are available at www.dep.state.fl.us/swap or by calling Bay County Utility Services at (850)248-5010.

DEFINITIONS
Action Level (AL): Contaminant concentration triggering treatment requirements.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): Level below which there is no known health risk.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): Highest allowed contaminant level in drinking water.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): Highest allowed disinfectant level.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): Measures water clarity.
Parts per million (ppm): One part contaminant per million parts water.
Parts per billion (ppb): One part contaminant per billion parts water.

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