West Palm Beach Water Treatment Plant

West Palm Beach conducts thousands of water quality tests annually to ensure compliance with Federal and local regulations. The data presented in this report shows only detected contaminants, all of which fall below Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL). Unless otherwise stated, this report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2017.

State regulations require monitoring of certain substances less frequently as their concentrations typically remain stable. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems – such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants – should seek medical advice about their drinking water consumption.

The EPA and CDC provide guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants. Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials used in service lines and household plumbing. While West Palm Beach provides high-quality water, they cannot control plumbing component materials.

If your water has been sitting for several hours, running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can minimize lead exposure. If concerned about lead, consider having your water tested. For more information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The City of West Palm Beach is proud to report zero water-related health or safety issues in 2017. Our water continues to receive high marks from monitoring agencies and was recognized as having the best tasting water in Palm Beach and Broward Counties by the American Water Works Association in 2017.

The city is progressing with the construction of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and powder activated carbon treatment systems at the Water Treatment Plant to provide safer and better-tasting drinking water. Public participation opportunities are available at bi-weekly City Commission meetings held Mondays at 5:00 pm at City Hall, 401 Clematis St. For questions, please call (561) 822-2222.

Did you know about hydration health facts?

1. Approximately 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, likely applying to half the world's population.
2. For 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak it's often mistaken for hunger.
3. Even mild dehydration can slow metabolism by up to 3%.
4. A University of Washington study found one glass of water eliminates nighttime hunger pangs for almost 100% of dieters.
5. Insufficient water intake is the primary cause of daytime fatigue.
6. Research suggests drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily could significantly reduce back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, difficulty with basic math, and trouble focusing on screens or printed pages.
8. Consuming five glasses of water daily decreases colon cancer risk by 45%, breast cancer risk by 79%, and bladder cancer risk by 50%.

Question: Are you consuming enough water each day for optimal health?