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Water Quality


How do you know the water you're drinking is safe?  The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that utilities issue an annual "Consumer Confidence" report to customers in addition to other notices that may be required by law.  This report, which is linked below, can tell you where your water comes from, what it contains, and the risks our water testing and treatment are designed to prevent.  The City of Lakeland is committed to providing you with the safest and most reliable water supply.  If you still have questions or concerns about your water quality, please call Lakeland Water Utilities at 863.834.6802 or email waterplantquestions@lakelandgov.net.


 

  • Water Quality Concerns & FAQs
     Unusual Taste - Odor - Chlorine   Milky Water  
    Concern: The most probable cause is a low chlorine residual due to age of the water which can lead to egg, medicinal, or a fish smell. Even a perceived high chlorine smell can actually be a low chlorine residual due to the breakpoint in the disinfection process. Other causes of odor are dead-end lines, old plumbing, hot water heaters, or kitchen sink odors. Resolution: Frequently this concern can be corrected if the customer will run water for a few minutes (Using the kitchen or bathroom faucet). If this does not correct the concern, City Employees can flush the water main outside the customer's residence and then the customer can flush inside again.  Concern: The most probable cause of milky water is air in the water lines. This may be caused by water main repair, low pressure, temperature changes, or over-heating of water in the hot water heater. Resolution: This concern can be resolved by either the customer flushing their water lines (faucets) and /or the city flushing the water main. Check the setting of the hot water heater thermostat and measure the water temperature. Normal setting should be below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the pressure/temperature relief valve on the hot water heater is functioning properly. 
    Sediment - Discoloration - Rust   Black Algae - Fungus in Plumbing Fixtures  
    Concern: Usually caused by small particles from existing plumbing or hot water heaters, dislodged due to rapid changes in pressure or flow. Resolution: Symptoms can be resolved by flushing water lines (faucets) and flushing hot water heaters. There is a possibility that old water lines and /or the water heater may need to be replaced. If symptoms persist, collect a sample of the sediment for analysis to determine the origin. Concern: This concern is due to leaking kitchen or bathroom fixtures which leave standing water or moist surfaces. When this happens the chlorine dissipates from the water and algae growth results from spores in the air. Resolution: The algae can be eliminated with common household bleach in a spray bottle. Toilets with algae "rings" can be treated the same way or a toilet bowl cleaner containing chlorine is effective in removing the algae. When using the spray bottle, particular attention should be taken to get the chlorine bleach solution up into the faucet/aerator and into the flush opening under the commode lid to insure a good kill of the algae/fungus.
    Water Softeners     
    Concern: Water softeners can sometimes cause more concerns than they cure. If not properly installed and maintained, water softeners can cause taste, odor, sediment, or other problems. There are a variety of softeners that can eliminate chlorine and minerals from the water while adding sodium to an already stable drinking water. Destabilization of the water can cause increased corrosion in the plumbing system. Resolution: If a water softener has been installed, test the water quality before and after the unit to make sure that it is operating correctly. Ensure that the unit is serviced and maintained regularly.    

    More Information

    For further information and assistance call Lakeland Water Utilities at 863.834.6802 Our operators and staff will work with you to resolve your concerns regarding the water delivered to your home or business.

    You may also email the Water Treatment Plant by clicking here.

  • Consumer Confidence Reports

    Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports for City of Lakeland Water Customers

    2023 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2017 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 
    2022 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2016 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 
    2021 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2015 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
    2020 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
    2014 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
    2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
    2013 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report  
    2018 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report  2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
  • Lead & Copper

     

    Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 on June 19, 1986. Two key sections of this law constitute the "lead ban" in drinking water systems. The key provision of these sections is a Prohibition of the use, in public water systems, of pipe, solder, or flux that is not "lead free."

    The EPA Lead and Copper Rule became effective December 7, 1992. This rule requires water systems to sample the homeowner’s tap to ascertain the levels of Lead and Copper which may be present. Lead enters drinking water mainly from the corrosion of lead-containing household plumbing. Since lead and copper contamination generally occurs after water has left the water system, the best way for the water system operator to find out if customer water is contaminated is to test water that has come from a household faucet.

    Under the Lead and Copper Rule, the City of Lakeland initially identified what EPA referred to as Tier 1 homes. These are homes that were built between 1982 and 1986 which had copper plumbing joined together by lead solder prior to the "lead ban". These homes would potentially have the greatest probability of Lead and Copper contamination. The City of Lakeland was required to identify and sample 100 homes with the Tier 1 criteria.

    The EPA set "Action Levels" for lead and copper results. An "Action Level" of 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L) was set for Lead and 1.3 mg/L was set for copper based on the 90th percentile level of tap water samples. The rule requires treatment when results exceed these "Action Levels."

    The City of Lakeland did not exceed the "Action Levels" in the 1993 initial sampling of 100 Tier 1 homes. Lakeland was then allowed to go to "Reduced Monitoring" under the rule. Reduced monitoring allows systems without any exceedance to reduce the number of samples from 100 to 50. Every three years 50 samples are required to be collected and analyzed for Lead and Copper contamination.

    Water treated by the City of Lakeland has a carefully balanced pH to prevent corroding distribution pipes and plumbing. This lessens the possibility of lead and copper contamination.

    Lakeland’s most recent analysis was conducted in 2023. The following are the sample results from the 50 Tier 1 tested homes (all units are milligrams per liter):

    Lead and Copper (Tap Water)

    Contaminant

    Dates of sampling (month/year)

    AL Violation (Yes/No)

    90th Percentile Result

    No. of sampling sites exceeding the AL

    Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)

    Action Level (AL)

    Likely Source of Contamination

    Copper (tap water)

    9/2023

    No

    0.16

    0

    1.3 mg/L

    1.3 mg/L

    Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

    Lead (tap water)

    9/2023

    No

    0.0006

    0

    0 mg/L

    0.015 mg/L

    Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits

    The next Lead and Copper scheduled analysis is in 2026.

     

     

  • Fluoride

  • Combee Water Treatment Plant Chemical Analysis

    City of Lakeland Water Utilities

    Combee Water Treatment Plant Chemical Analysis

    Parameter (all results mg/l unless noted otherwise)

    Raw Water Calendar Raw Water Fiscal Finished Water Calendar Finished Water Fiscal
    Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 218 217 108 108
    Calcium Hardness (as CaCO3) 166 164 74 74
    Magnesium Hardness (as CaCO3) 52 53 37 38
    P. Alkalinity (as CaCO3) - - 0 0
    Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 221 221 103 104
    Free Chlorine - - 2.3 2.3
    Total Chlorine - - 2.5 2.5
    Chlorides 17.5 17.5 22.5 22.5
    Ammonia (as N) 0.40 0.38 0.24 0.24
    Turbidity (NTU) 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.07
    Color (Units) 17 14 4 3
    Temperature (degrees Celsius)(Lab) 24.9 25 27 26
    pH (Units) 7.37 7.42 8.08 8.05
    Sulfide 0.45 0.57 0.0 0.0
    Iron 0.29 0.22 0.008 0.008
    Fluoride - 0.66 - 0.65
    Phosphate (as P) 0.33 0.15 0.31 0.15
    Silica 18.5 20.5 11 13
    Sulfate 0.47 0.33 0.12 0.15
    Total Dissolved Solids 242 210 147 148
    Nitrate (as N) 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025
    Specific Conductance (µmhos/cm) 434 369 269 270
    Saturation Index - - 0.19 0.25
    Carbon Dioxide 9.25 5.67 - -

    Data in the Raw Water and Finished Water columns is listed as calendar year 2023 and fiscal year October 2022 through September 2023.

    For information pertaining to previous calendar or fiscal year chemical analysis, please contact:

    Nick Vonderheide

    Water Utility Chemist

    Nicolas.Vonderheide@lakelandgov.net

    (863) 834-4975

  • Williams Water Treatment Plant Chemical Analysis

    City of Lakeland Water Utilities

    Williams Water Treatment Plant Chemical Analysis

    Parameter (all results mg/l unless noted otherwise) Raw Water Calendar Raw Water Fiscal

    Finished Water Calendar

    Finished Water Fiscal

    Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 153 153 126 126
    Calcium Hardness (as CaCO3) 114 114

    91

    92
    Magnesium Hardness (as CaCO3) 39 39 35 35
    P. Alkalinity (as CaCO3) - - 0 0
    Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 149 148 106 106
    Free Chlorine - - 2.7 2.7
    Total Chlorine - - 2.9 2.98
    Chlorides 14 14 22 22
    Ammonia (as N) 0.68 0.68 0.24 0.23
    Turbidity (NTU) 0.27 0.30 0.19 0.26
    Color (Units) 7 7 3 3
    Temperature (degrees Celsius)(Lab) 24 23.3 25.9 26.3
    pH (Units) 7.81 7.81 7.95 7.9
    Sulfide

    1.1

    1.1 0.0 0.0
    Iron 0.008 0.010 0.006 0.007
    Fluoride 0.26 0.26 0.73 0.74
    Phosphate (as P) 0.35 0.34 0.21 0.21
    Silica 13 15 10 12
    Sulfate 1.1 1.1 1.7 1.8
    Total Dissolved Solids 181 180 155 155
    Nitrate (as N) 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025
    Specific Conductance (µmhos/cm) 328 326 278 282
    Saturation Index - - 0.14 0.12
    Carbon Dioxide 6.33 6.37 - -

    Data in the Raw Water and Finished Water columns is listed as calendar year 2023 and fiscal year October 2022 through September 2023.

    For information pertaining to previous calendar or fiscal year chemical analysis, please contact:

    Nick Vonderheide

    Water Utility Chemist

    Nicolas.Vonderheide@lakelandgov.net

    (863) 834-4975

    (863) 834-6295

  • T.B. Williams Plant

    Lakeland's municipal water supply has always come from our own wells. The City's water system has been continually improved since the first well was drilled in 1905. As part of a major system upgrade, the Williams Water Plant went into continuous operation in April of 1983. Thirteen wells drilled 750 feet (on average) into the Floridan aquifer provide the raw (untreated) water to the 51 million gallon per day capacity split-treatment plant.

    Contact:
    Ricky Jaynes - Water Production Manager
    Email: WaterPlantQuestions@lakelandgov.net

  • C. Wayne Combee Plant

    Built in 2005 the C. Wayne Combee Plant has a treatment capacity of 8 Million Gallons Per Day. There are six wells that can withdraw water from the Floridan Aquifer and deliver it to the plant.  

    Contact:
    Eric Campbell - Chief Operator 
    Email: WaterPlantQuestions@lakelandgov.net