Yes, it is our job to make sure our water supply is clean…but keeping it clean is more than just a job, it's our passion! We are pleased to present the City of Tallahassee's Water Quality Report.
Living on top of the most amazing underground water system in North America has a profound effect on how we look at our job. All of our drinking water comes from this remarkable source, the Floridan Aquifer, and it is important to understand that it is both the largest and cleanest underground water systems anywhere in the world.
And we want to keep it that way.
For more than 120 years, the City of Tallahassee has been providing our community with clean, safe and reliable drinking water. Our commitment and our passion runs deep---from rigorous testing and advanced technology to continual facility improvements and international certification for environmental protection. Each year, the City delivers this report to its customers in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act.
We are passionate about making sure that surface water (water that comes from rain and run-off) is properly managed and cleaned before it makes its way into this aquifer. Whether it's runoff from roads, lawns or farms, we work every day to make sure that pollutants and other impurities don't make their way into our water supply. We continuously monitor, measure and test local surface water systems – such as holding ponds and small community lakes – to ensure they are doing their job of keeping our drinking water, in the Floridan Aquifer, as clean as possible.
Passion often yields superior results. Fortunately for our community, we have a remarkable natural source of water to sustain our water supply for generations to come. And with your continued support and cooperation, together we will work – with a passion – to ensure it stays that way.
You may view the latest Water Quality Annual Report or call 850-891-1200 and have it mailed to you. View previous Water Quality Reports and other water documents.
Providing safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water is a commitment the City of Tallahassee takes seriously. The water quality report will help you understand all that we do to protect our water supply and ensure the water delivered to your home or business is the best it can possibly be. Even though we (the City) go to great lengths to provide you with the highest quality water, there are steps you can take to ensure the highest quality water is available at your tap now and in the future. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers that you may find useful.
Water Conservation Topics
Do I need to conserve water?
Simply put…YES! Conserving water is beneficial to the environment and your wallet.
Does Tallahassee have water use restrictions?
Tallahassee water customers are not currently subject to any water use restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you should be wasteful with your water use.
How can I conserve water?
There are literally dozens of ways you can save water and money. Some of our favorite and simplest suggestions include the following:
- Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth.
- Fix leaking toilets and faucets.
- Sweep your driveways and sidewalks rather than using a hose to wash them off.
- Use spray nozzles that shut off automatically when not in use on garden hoses.
- Water your lawn in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to take advantage of cooler temperatures and morning dew.
- Avoid watering your lawn in hot or windy conditions.
- Use rain sensors on your irrigation systems to prevent watering when it rains.
- If you suspect a leak in your plumbing system, call a plumber or the City to investigate.
Water Quality Topics
What is the hardness concentration for Tallahassee water?
In Tallahassee, the average water hardness is measured at about 150 mg/L as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) or about 9 grains/gallon, which is considered “hard.” In this area of North Florida, the groundwater flows through a limestone aquifer, which is the source of calcium contributing to the hard water. Due to hard water issues, we often recommend to our customers to maintain their water heaters regularly, whether a tank or tankless type.
Why do I sometimes find white flakes in my water?
White flakes or a sand-like sediment in your water can also be caused by calcium deposits. This is most commonly found in hot water from the household water heater, and it tends to collect in faucet aerator screens, eventually clogging the screens and restricting the water flow from the faucet. If you are noticing flakes in your hot water or faucet screens, it may be time to service or replace your water heater. The water heater, in the process of heating the water, produces the calcium deposits that settle into the bottom of the water heater tank. If you are noticing the flakes in your water, then it is likely a sign that the water heater may be full of calcium deposits. It is a good idea to have your water heater checked for excessive calcium deposits every couple of years to maintain your water heater’s capacity and efficiency.
What is the pH level of Tallahassee water?
Tallahassee’s average pH level for drinking water is about 7.5. The pH level of drinking water reflects how acidic or basic (or alkaline) it is. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral, meaning there’s a balance between the water’s acidity and basicity. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that public water systems maintain pH levels between 6.5 - 8.5.
Why does my water sometimes look milky or cloudy?
A milky or cloudy appearance in water is most often due to tiny air bubbles. These bubbles are often so small that they are not easily seen, but there is an easy way to be check. Fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter for a few minutes. If you notice the cloudiness slowly disappearing or rising to the top of the glass, those are signs that the air bubbles are escaping. If you turn on your faucets and flush your pipes, you can sometimes eliminate the air from your plumbing system.
Why does my water look brown or discolored?
Brown or discolored water is most often caused by rusting water pipes. This is especially common when the distribution system and household plumbing are made with galvanized iron pipe. Over time, the protective zinc coating on the pipes breaks down, allowing the water to contact the metal. The result is rusty pipes that, when in contact with the water for some time, will eventually cause the water to turn a rusty brown color. This problem is most often noticed in the morning, after the water sits in the pipes while you sleep. The temporary solution is to flush the dirty water from the pipes. The only permanent solution is to replace the plumbing system with more modern plumbing components/materials, such as PVC or PEX.
Why does the water leave white stains in the tub/shower?
The white stains are calcium deposits, also known as “hard water” stains. Because our water comes from a limestone aquifer, there is dissolved calcium in the water. As water evaporates, it leaves behind the calcium, resulting in the stains. Light stains can be removed with simple white vinegar. Heavier stains may require a stronger, more aggressive cleaner.
Why is there a blue-green water stain in my tub/shower/sink?
A blue-green water stain in the tub or shower is most often associated with the corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, including brass (which contains copper and zinc). The corrosion can be due to the water chemistry or improper electrical grounding to the household plumbing. Like the hard water stains mentioned above, light stains can be removed with simple white vinegar. Heavier stains may require a stronger, more aggressive cleaner.
Why does my water smell bad?
Water that smells bad is most often due to a lack of disinfectant in the water. Hot water reduces disinfectants in the water more quickly than cool water. As a result, the smell is most often associated with water from the water heater. This is especially true if the hot water is not used regularly. To remedy the problem, you should run hot water through the tub or a faucet until all the hot water is used and the water is cool. By doing this, you remove the bad smelling water from the water heater and replace it with new water that has the proper disinfectant.
Does it matter if I use cold or hot water for cooking?
Use cold tap water for drinking and food. Hot water dissolves lead and other metals more quickly and reduces the disinfectant in the water more quickly than cool water. Without disinfectant, bacterial growth can build up in hot water systems. Your exposure to these elements, which may be in your household plumbing, increases when you use hot water for drinking or in a consumable way.
What can I do about the taste of chlorine in my water?
The EPA requires water treatment facilities to maintain a range of chlorine levels. If you are sensitive to the taste or smell of chlorine, the following tips may help:
- Let water stand in a pitcher for several hours in the refrigerator or on the counter.
- Boil water for 15 minutes and store in the refrigerator.
- Use a water filter (pitcher, faucet or installed under the sink).