Water Supply Restoration Program
Sampling

 

Contaminated drinking water wells are identified through the sampling efforts of the local County Public Health Units supported by Department funding. To optimize resources, wells are sampled in areas of known or suspected contamination, such as agricultural areas or near underground storage tanks. Two primary contaminant types are emphasized in this sampling.

The Super Act program at the Department of Health (DOH) concentrates its efforts in areas suspected to have petroleum related contamination and targets drinking water wells near known storage tanks for sampling. In addition, various solvent contaminants are frequently found when sampling near these tanks. Unfortunately, the Inland Protection Trust Fund (IPTF) that funds this effort precludes the use of monies for sampling beyond the scope of the potential petroleum contamination. This program also coordinates the sampling of the IPTF filter systems.

The agricultural chemical sampling program looks for contamination related to use of pesticides or fertilizers. This program is a cooperative effort between DOH, the County Public Health Units, and DEP. DEP funds the program through a contract with DOH, and DOH directs the sampling effort with the health units. With an increasing frequency of solvent contamination now being detected in the Super Act Program, the pesticides contract is being used to continue that sampling effort until a permanent program can be implemented.

Wells are tested using sampling procedures approved by the Department. The DOH water quality lab in Jacksonville analyzes samples. Results are sent to the county sampler, the well owner/resident, and the applicable Department and DOH program coordinators. The WSRP downloads results for all samples that exceed a HAL or MCL on a weekly basis to expedite the restoration/replacement process. Pesticides manufacturers occasionally participate in restoration/replacement efforts where their products contaminate drinking water wells.

Restoration & Replacement Activities

The property owner, when notified of the contamination, is asked to provide the information necessary to request restoration/replacement assistance from the WSRP. This information must be received by the WSRP prior to any remedial action.

Restoration or replacement implies looking at various options, and in fact, Florida Statutes require the WSRP to determine the most cost-effective solution in response to each contaminated water supply. Where available, and cost-effective, the preferred solution for a contaminated water supply is to replace it with a connection to a public water system. If a public water system is not available, or if a water line extension and connection is not cost-effective, a filter system(s) is usually installed to remove the contaminant(s). In some circumstances, a new well may be constructed; however, this option is exercised only when chances are very good that the new well will meet all existing water standards for use as a potable water source.