South Walton Utility Company

Municipal water sources (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also picking up 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, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemical contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining activities.

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to water contaminants. Those with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants—face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4701).

In 2017, Florida's Department of Environmental Protection conducted a Source Water Assessment on South Walton Utility Company, identifying 12 potential contamination sources with low to moderate susceptibility ratings. Assessment results are available at www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp or from Joe Ream, Water/Wastewater Director, at (850) 837-2988.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing components. While South Walton Utility Company provides high-quality water, they cannot control plumbing material composition. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, consider water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or http://www.eps.gov/safewater/lead.

South Walton Utility Company continually strives to improve water treatment processes and protect water resources. For questions about water quality, contact Joe Ream, Water/Wastewater Director, at 850-837-2988. Residents interested in learning more are encouraged to attend regular meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 369 Miramar Beach Dr., Miramar Beach, FL 32550.

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