Water Quality Issues Specific to Pasco County: Testing, Treatment, and Plumbing Solutions for Local Residents

Pasco County Residents Face Hidden Water Quality Challenges That Could Be Damaging Your Home’s Plumbing System

Living in Pasco County, Florida, means enjoying beautiful weather and coastal living, but beneath the surface lies a complex water quality situation that many homeowners don’t fully understand. From hard water minerals to emerging contaminants like PFAS, the water flowing through your taps may be silently affecting both your health and your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

Understanding Pasco County’s Water Sources and Treatment

The Pasco County Regional Water System is a member of the regional water supplier known as Tampa Bay Water (TBW). The Pasco County Regional Water System receives an estimated 95 percent of our drinking water from TBW-operated treatment plants. These plants supply a dynamic blend of groundwater, surface water, and desalinated water, depending on availability of supply.

The Pasco County Regional Water System’s primary water source is groundwater from several deep wells, located throughout Pasco County. These wells draw from the Floridan Aquifer. This diverse water sourcing system creates unique challenges for maintaining consistent water quality throughout the county.

Key Water Quality Concerns for Pasco County Residents

Hard Water Issues

The average water hardness for the Florida resident is 100 – 300 Parts Per Million. Hard water in Pasco County creates several problems for homeowners. Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water.

This can lead to various problems, including limescale buildup, clogged pipes, and reduced efficiency in household appliances. If left untreated, hard water can shorten the lifespan of plumbing systems and appliances while making daily household tasks more difficult.

Iron and Sulfur Problems

Many Pasco County residents, particularly in areas like Spring Hill, experience issues with iron and sulfur in their water supply. When I turned on the water to run the plumbing including the washer…the smell of rotten eggs (sulpher) was overwhelming. I was told it’s not well water (no evidence of any pumps) that it is city water and the smell will go away after the water is run for a couple of hours.

The Iron Breaker III eliminates iron and will remove the negative effects of H2S. Both of these can damage your plumbing & fixtures, discolor your laundry, or create unpleasant odors in drinking water and showers.

Chloramines and Taste Issues

Please note that the Pasco Water System uses chloramines to disinfect the water supply. Chloramination is basically adding a small amount of ammonia (less than one part per million) to water in the treatment process along with chlorine, thereby forming chloramines, or combined chlorine.

While most cities use chlorine as the primary disinfectant, all of the municipalities within Tampa Bay Water use chloramine, which is made by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is frequently the issue when customers report a “bad taste” in their tap water, and unlike chlorine will not fade away if left in the fridge overnight.

Emerging Contaminants: PFAS and Nitrates

Very low levels of PFAS compounds were detected in drinking water samples collected at two of the sampling points in the first, second, third, and fourth quarter. These samples were analyzed by a PFAS Certified Lab and were taken by Pasco County Utilities at the entry point into our distribution system.

Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer.

Testing Your Water Quality

For residents with private wells, the Department of Health strongly recommends that you test your water for bacteria and nitrate at least once per year. Routine water testing is a simple and inexpensive measure you can take to ensure that your water supply is safe and to protect your family’s health.

Your local county health department can provide you with instructions on how to collect the water samples yourself and to have them tested (usually $20-30 per sample). In some cases, local health department staff can come to your home and collect the samples for you, if you wish, for an additional fee (additional $30-$40 per visit).

Professional Plumbing Solutions for Water Quality Issues

When water quality problems affect your plumbing system, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges in Pasco County. Local Plumber Pasco County, FL services like ATA’s Plumbing have been addressing these issues for years, serving residential and commercial clients throughout the region.

ATA’S Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company having years of experience in all types of plumbing services serving both residential and commercial clients in the Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Our commitment to providing high-quality plumbing services at affordable pricing has made us one of the preferred and trusted plumbers in the Florida area.

Water Treatment Solutions

Professional plumbers can install various water treatment systems to address specific issues:

  • Water Softeners: A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.
  • Iron and Sulfur Removal Systems: Specialized filtration systems can eliminate the rotten egg smell and iron staining
  • Whole House Filtration: Comprehensive systems that address multiple contaminants simultaneously
  • Reverse Osmosis Systems: For drinking water purification and PFAS reduction

Plumbing Repairs and Upgrades

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Pasco County Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.

Professional plumbers can assess your existing plumbing system and recommend upgrades to prevent contamination and improve water flow. This is particularly important for older homes that may have outdated piping materials.

Taking Action for Better Water Quality

Don’t let water quality issues compromise your family’s health or damage your home’s plumbing system. Start by having your water tested to identify specific contaminants, then work with qualified professionals to implement appropriate treatment solutions.

We offer our customers with our expert workmanship and a high level of service with integrity. Whether you need water testing, treatment system installation, or plumbing repairs related to water quality issues, experienced local professionals can help protect your investment and ensure your family has access to clean, safe water.

Remember, water quality issues in Pasco County are manageable with the right knowledge and professional support. By staying informed about your local water conditions and working with trusted plumbing professionals, you can enjoy the benefits of Florida living without compromising on water quality or plumbing system integrity.