Report Reveals Contaminants Linked to Cancer in Tampa water Supplies
Federal 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 The current regulations are outdated.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:
- Radium
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Nitrate
- Total trihalomethanes
Northwest Utilities, Tampa:
- Radium,
- Total trihalomethanes
Pinellas County Utilities:
- Chlorate
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Total trihalomethanes
Clearwater Water System:
- Radium
- Arsenic
- Total trihalomethanes
- Chromium
, New Port Richey Water Department:
- Radium
- Total trihalomethanes
Hillsborough County South-Central Service Area:
- Chromium
- Vinyl chloride
- Radium,
- Total trihalomethanes
Northwest Utilities, Tampa:
- Radium
- Total trihalomethanes
- Chromium
Hcpud/Eastlake, Tampa:
- Nitrate
- Radium
- Total trihalomethane
- Arsenic
University of South Florida, Tampa:
- Uranium
- Nitrate
- Radium combined
- Chromium
- Trihalomethanes
Seaboard Utilities, Tampa:
- Chromium
- Total trihalomethanes
Pinellas Park Water Department:
- Arsenic
- Chlorate
- Chromium
- Total trihalomethanes
City of St. Petersburg, Odessa:
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Total trihalomethanes
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.
