Tarpon Springs Water System

The Division of Environmental Safety conducted a Source Water Evaluation on our system in 2016 to identify potential contamination sources near our wells. They found 10 potential contaminant sources with low to moderate susceptibility levels, including gas stations and recycling facilities. This assessment helps identify possible risks but doesn't indicate actual contamination has occurred.

Similar assessments were performed for Polk Bay Water and Pinellas County services. Polk Bay Water's surface water intakes were classified as high-risk due to numerous possible contamination sources in their assessment area. These Source Water Assessments are available at the FDEP Source Water Evaluation and Protection System website.

What affects municipal water quality?
Water sources include rivers, lakes, channels, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic pollutants like salts and metals (naturally-occurring or from urban runoff, sewage, oil/gas production)
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production

The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA regulates bottled water with similar health protection standards. All water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is my property zoned?
   The City of Concord has numerous zoning classifications. For accurate information, provide staff with your Parcel Identification Number (PIN), which can be found on your City of Concord tax bill.
2. What permits do I need for residential additions or storage sheds?
   To build additions or storage sheds in residential zones, you must obtain a Zoning Clearance Permit (ZCP) from the City of Concord. Submit a plot plan for review first. After receiving the ZCP, you'll need a Building Permit from Cabarrus County Building Inspections Department. Both permits must be posted clearly at the construction site.
3. What are the Zoning Compliance Permit fees?
   Residential Accessory or additions: $50.00
   Residential (Single Family, includes modular and mobile homes): $50.00
   Residential (Two-Family, Multi-Family or Group Dwellings): $50.00+ $2.00 per unit
   Non-Residential Addition: $.03 per SF or $75.00 minimum
   Non-Residential: $.03 per SF or $200.00 minimum
4. How do I apply for a position with the Concord Police Department?
   With 143 employees, hiring occurs regularly. Visit the Human Resource Department at 66 Union Street South (City Hall Annex Building) or contact the Employment Security Commission to check current openings and obtain an application.
5. How do I apply for a City job?
   Apply through the online City employment portal, visit the Employment Security Commission at 2275 Kannapolis Hwy, 29A in Concord (they have job descriptions for open positions), or visit the Human Resource Department at 66 Union Street South.
6. Can I transfer sick leave from another municipality?
   Yes, new employees joining directly from another North Carolina municipality or county can transfer up to 20 days of sick leave.
7. When does insurance coverage begin for new employees?
   New employees become eligible for insurance benefits on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.
8. How can I get my child's car seat installed properly?
   Contact Norman Franklin, Life Safety Educator, at 704-920-5529 to schedule an appointment with a certified safety seat technician.