Why Filtered Water Matters Most During Tampa’s Hottest Months
Florida summers aren’t just hot—they’re intense. With temperatures often soaring above 90°F and humidity levels pushing extremes, staying hydrated becomes a critical part of staying healthy. But it’s not just about drinking water—it’s about drinking clean, safe, filtered water.
Let’s dive into why filtered water is essential for your health in the summer—and how Tampa homeowners can stay protected.
Dehydration Risks Are Higher in Summer
When it’s hot, your body loses more fluids through sweat. If you’re not replenishing that water with something clean and free of impurities, you’re doing your body a disservice. According to the CDC, even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced cognitive performance. Add Florida’s heat, and those risks climb quickly.
But here’s the catch: not all tap water is equal.
What’s in your Water?
Tampa’s water comes primarily from the Hillsborough River, treated and distributed through the city. While it’s “safe to drink” by EPA standards, it may still contain:
- Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts which can affect taste, odor and long-term health.
- Microplastic from aging infrastructures
- Hard Water Minerals like calcium and magnesium, which affect hydration and skin
- Seasonal Contaminants like algae-related compounds, which spike in summer
Filtered water removes or reduces these, making each glass safer- and healthier.
Report Reveals Contaminants Linked to Cancer in Tampa water Supplies
NewsFederal regulations determine if drinking water is sufficient for human consumption. However, just because contaminant levels are “legal” does not necessarily mean they are safe. The current regulations are outdated. They have not been updated in 20 years, and do not match present-day scientific data indicating safe amounts of contaminants.
A non-profit organization, called the Environmental Working Group, completed a comprehensive study of U.S. drinking water. Along with scientists, they analyzed water from all 50 states. Nationwide, the results were troubling, and Florida was no exception. Between 2012 and 2017 96 different contaminants were found across Florida’s water supplies.
Below is a list of contaminants found in Tampa area water supplies detailed in the EWG report published in October 2019. The levels of these impurities meet federal guidelines but are above the EWG’s standards for what they consider safe.
The contaminants below have been linked to an increase of cancer, and some pose risk to the thyroid and kidneys.
City of Tampa Water Department:
Northwest Utilities, Tampa:
Pinellas County Utilities:
Clearwater Water System:
, New Port Richey Water Department:
Hillsborough County South-Central Service Area:
Northwest Utilities, Tampa:
Hcpud/Eastlake, Tampa:
University of South Florida, Tampa:
Seaboard Utilities, Tampa:
Pinellas Park Water Department:
City of St. Petersburg, Odessa:
Remove Contaminants from your Tampa Drinking Water
The first question people have after reviewing this report is, “How can I remove these materials from my water?” The EWG recommends using a reverse-osmosis filtration system. The list above is a small sample of the FL water systems included in the study. If you do not see your area listed above, visit the EWG tap water database and search by zip code to find the results of your water supply.
Talk to Elected Officials
Water filters are the first line of defense. However, the root of the problem is with the water supply its self. Make your local elected officials aware of your concerns. Ask them why the contaminants are present, and how the water is treated. What is being done to protect the source water, and are they investing in advanced water treatment technology? We need to bring these issues to the decision makers in order for things to improve.
We Can Help
If you find your water department has high levels of a specific substance; Our water professionals can determine which filter will best remove that contaminant. We have a wide variety of waterquality solutions. We are dedicated to helping Tampa Bay residents receive healthy, safe drinking water.
Contact Healthy Home today at (800) 890-6835
Is Tampa Tap Water Safe?
NewsIs Tampa Tap Water Safe?
There is increasing concern about the quality of tap water in the United States. The EPA has clear guidelines about the water provided to citizens. It is the municipal water company’s responsibility to ensure our water is suitable. We put a lot of faith in these entities, so it’s important to understand exactly what they consider “safe” and how we can determine for ourselves if the tap water in Tampa is safe.
Problems with Tap Water
Reuse
10% of tap water has already been used. This may not seem like a lot, but when you are consuming it, this fact is alarming. Recycled water contains a number of chemicals and toxins. Keep this in mind the next time you go to the sink for a glass of water.
Chlorine
The water companies must treat and disinfect all tap water. The primary chemical used in this process is Chlorine. So, there are large amounts of chlorine present in our drinking water. The EPA allows for chlorine levels high enough to maintain a swimming pool.
Lead
You can’t see, smell, or taste lead when it is present in water. The most common cause of this type of contamination is lead pipes. Exposure to lead is very dangerous, especially for young children.
Insufficient Filtration
The water plant does its best to filter out harmful bacteria and chemicals. Nevertheless, it is simply too large of a task to properly handle. Consumers leave themselves open to danger when they do not properly filter their own water. Invest in a quality water filter to give your family the safe drinking water they deserve.
Look for Contaminants
Your senses are great tools to detect contaminated water. While many toxins are not obvious, some are quite conspicuous. Ideally, water should be clear with no particular taste or odor. If your water is cloudy, has a sharp chemical taste, or smells strange, it may very well be contaminated.
Water Testing
Fill a glass of water and let it sit for a few minutes. If it is completely clear from top to bottom, then any previous cloudiness was probably just air bubbles. However, if it remains opaque, especially at the bottom, this is a sign of a problem. Because many contaminants are impossible to detect with the human senses it is recommended to have a professional water evaluation.
The Water Crisis in America
The news is full of stories about contaminated water and the awful consequences it carries. We don’t need to look any further than Flint, Michigan to see how poor water quality can devastate a community. When this type of gross negligence occurs, the public is typically notified long after the damage has been done. In 2015, North Carolina residents discovered high levels of toxic heavy metals in the majority of wells near Coal Ash Pond. Sadly, they dealt with these problems for over a year, which caused a disproportionate number of brain cancer and tumor cases in the region. While some heavy metals cause your water to taste metallic, others may not leave any obvious traces.
Tampa Water Safety Solutions
The best way to maintain safe Tampa tap water is to choose a quality filtration system. Here at Healthy Homes Tampa, we provide a wide range of solutions to fit everyone’s needs. Contact us today to speak with one of our water quality professionals. Call 800-890-6835
Thank You!
Testimonials“Healthy Homes,
Concerning Charlie and George
6/18/18 – 6/19/18
They were prompt each day. Had all of their equipment (tools). They introduced themselves and let us know what they would be doing. They went right to work. They spoke well and were always polite. They asked when they needed to use the toilet. They worked steadly with only a 10 to 15 minute break. When they were finished daily, they cleaned up and let us know they were leaving after each day @ work. WE FIND THEM TO BE: respectful, thoughtful, pleasant, kind and worked well together. We can never sing our praises enough for the employees of Healthy Home. This includes Michael and Troy and all others that has served us. “
Amanda & Joe
Sun City Center, FL.