City of Sanford

The City of Sanford is pleased to present this year's Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This report provides information about water quality and services we deliver to residents daily. Our primary goal is to provide you with safe, reliable water.

We want you to understand our ongoing efforts to improve water treatment processes and protect our valuable water resources. We remain committed to ensuring your water meets all Federal and State requirements. Through consistent monitoring and testing, we've found that some substances are present in your water, though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined these levels are safe for most people.

Our water comes from seventeen groundwater wells drawing from the Floridan Aquifer - thirteen wells supply our Main Water Plant, while four supply Water Plant #2. Our treatment process includes chlorination for disinfection, fluoridation for dental health, and polyphosphate addition for corrosion control.

It's important to understand that all water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, you can contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Each year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducts a Source Water Assessment & Protection Program (SWAPP) on our system to identify potential contamination sources near our wells. There are eleven potential contamination sources with low to moderate susceptibility levels. Assessment results are available at www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp/.

The City of Sanford routinely tests for contaminants according to Federal and State regulations. Unless otherwise indicated, this report presents data from January 1 to December 31, 2016. Some data may be older than one year, as the state allows less frequent monitoring for certain contaminants when their concentrations don't change regularly.

To help understand our water quality reports, here are some important definitions:

• Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (µg/l) - one part contaminant to one billion parts water
• Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part contaminant to one million parts water
• Picocurie per liter (pCi/L) - measure of radioactivity
• Action Level (AL) - concentration requiring additional water system actions
• Treatment Technique (TT) - required process to reduce contaminant levels
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - highest allowed contaminant level
• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - level below which no known health risk exists
• (ND) - Not detected in laboratory testing

1. What do I need to purchase a utility sticker?
   You'll need to provide proof of Johnston County residence, such as a valid driver's license.
2. Can I dispose of construction materials or yard waste at convenience sites?
   No, these materials must be taken to the Landfill located at 680 County Home Road (off Hwy. 210) in Smithfield.
3. Is water service connection mandatory?
   No, participation is completely voluntary. However, properties built after water mains are installed may be required to connect if located within 350 feet of the water main.
4. Must I abandon my existing well when connecting to municipal service?
   No, you can maintain your well while connecting to municipal water. However, indoor plumbing must be disconnected from the well system. Outdoor hydrants may remain connected to your well—consult with a licensed plumber and the Johnston County Inspections Department for specific requirements.
5. Why isn't municipal water available on my street?
   There may not have been sufficient interest shown. Residents can petition for water service, which costs $600 per tap.
6. Are there additional costs beyond the tap fee?
   Yes. You'll also need to pay for: piping connection from your home to the street meter, plumbing inspection fees, and possibly an account deposit. When establishing service, a $50 deposit or credit letter from another utility is required. You'll also need a plumbing permit (currently $31) from the Johnston County Inspections Department.
7. How can I request a water line extension to my area?
   Contact your neighbors to gauge interest in water service. Once you have sufficient participation, the extension request will be considered alongside other projects on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on available funding.
8. Do I need to live on a state-maintained road for water service?
   No. Service can be provided on private roads if there's sufficient interest. All property owners along private roads must provide utility easements for pipeline construction, operation, and maintenance.
9. Can I purchase a tap for an undeveloped property?
   Yes, though it may not be economically practical if you don't plan to use water for seven or more years. Once water becomes available, you'll begin receiving a monthly base bill regardless of connection status.
10. Will water lines be extended to serve a single remote residence?
    No. Water lines are installed along road rights-of-way. Residents are responsible for plumbing installation from the tap to their homes.
11. If I currently use a private water system, can I switch to county water?
    Generally no. Service can only be provided if your current supplier provides a written waiver to the district.
12. What will my water bill cost?
    Bills depend on usage. If you haven't connected your plumbing from the tap to your home and aren't using water, you'll only be responsible for the base monthly rate.