Naples Water Department

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted a Source Water Evaluation on our system in 2017. This assessment identified potential contamination sources near our wells, including thirteen (13) low-concern petroleum storage tanks and active injection wells, fourteen (14) moderate-concern petroleum storage facilities, and two (2) high-concern petroleum storage containers.

Assessment results can be viewed on the FDEP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program website: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp.

Water Source Information
Municipal water comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential Contaminants Include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production

The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA establishes similar limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may contain at least trace amounts of certain contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

Special Health Considerations
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly, and infants) should seek advice from healthcare providers about their drinking water.

Lead Information
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Naples Water Department provides high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. To minimize potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For lead testing information, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The CDC provides valuable resources about municipal water safety, potential contaminants, and health impacts. They offer guidance on water-related health concerns including microbial contaminants, chemical hazards, and recommendations for immunocompromised individuals who may need additional precautions with their water supply.