Water Supply Restoration Program
The
Water Supply Restoration Program (WSRP), as it is now known, was created in the mid-1980's
to restore or replace drinking water wells contaminated with Ethylene
Di-Bromide (EDB).
Through agreement of a multi-agency task force, early restoration and replacement of
EDB-contaminated wells was performed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services. In 1990, these responsibilities were transferred to the Department of
Environmental Protection.
Specifically, Chapter 376.30(3)(c),
F.S. directed the
Department to "establish a program to provide for expeditious restoration or
replacement of potable water systems or potable private wells of affected persons where
health hazards exist due to contamination from pollutants." This includes a provision
for bottled water on a temporary basis, after which a more stable and convenient source of
potable water shall be provided through the use of
filters
or
connection to public
water systems. Funding for this program is provided by Water Quality Assurance Trust
Fund or WQATF and the Inland Protection Trust Fund or IPTF. The WQATF is used for
restoration or replacement of potable water supplies contaminated with non-petroleum
substances and the IPTF is used strictly for the restoration or replacement of potable
water supplies contaminated with petroleum related substances.
To qualify for WQATF or IPTF funding, water sampling results must show that the contaminants in the potable
water supply exceed a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), or Health Advisory Level (HAL), or
be determined by the Department of Health (DOH) to be a health hazard. Approximately
$300,000 to $500,000 is spent annually on IPTF sites and $3,500,000 is spent annually on
WQATF sites.
Restoration/replacement
work has been conducted in 45 counties throughout the State.
Do you have a question on
the program? Maybe we've answered it before. Check out our
frequently asked questions.
Need further
assistance or information regarding the program? Please feel free
to call Charles Coultas or his staff at 850-245-8358, e-mail him
at
Charles.Coultas@dep.state.fl.us
or write him at:
Water Supply
Restoration Program
Bureau of Water Facilities Funding
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3506
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
