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Is it safe to drink the water in Hillsborough County?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 14, 2026

The county said it will be a slight change in taste and smell that many people might not even notice, but they assure everyone it is still safe to drink. Tampa Bay Water is changing the treatment from liquid oxygen to sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, at its Lithia Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Facility.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Hillsborough County?

The Hillsborough County Water Resources department is proud to report that, once again in 2020, the high-quality drinking water we provide to our Hillsborough County customers has met health and safety requirements.

Is tap water safe to drink in Tampa FL?

Providing clean, safe drinking water is a top priority at Tampa Bay Water. The drinking water we provide our member governments is safe: it meets or is better than all local, state and federal drinking water regulations.

Can you drink Tampa water 2021?

According the EPA's ECHO database, from Oct. 31, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2021, Tampa's water utility, City of Tampa Water Department, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

How hard is the water in Hillsborough County?

According to the United States Geological Services, the hardness of Tampa's drinking water, primarily taken from the Hillsborough River, fluctuates throughout the year between about 140 to 300 parts per million or 8 to 17 grains per gallon (one grain per gallon equals 17.2 parts per million).

21 related questions found

What is the water problem in Tampa Florida?

Smith said the water pressure issue in Hillsborough County is due to rapid growth in the area that has strained water supply. The problem will be addressed with new infrastructure, but an initial project won't come online until 2024 and then another supply project is due in 2028.

Is the Hillsborough River clean?

The overall water quality of the Hillsborough River is considered good. The water in the river is tested periodically by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County.

Can Florida water Make You Sick?

The most common and widespread contaminants in Florida are bacteria, nitrates and lead. Other chemicals like ethylene dibromide (EDB), tetrachlorethylene (PCE) and temik have also been found in isolated areas. Contaminated drinking water can cause a number of diseases, and is sometimes fatal to vulnerable people.

Is Florida sink water safe to drink?

Florida tap water is considered safe to drink because contaminant levels are below the legal limit in all counties. However, arsenic, copper, lead and trihalomethanes are a major concern and have been recorded at unsafe levels in several cities.

Is it OK to drink tap water in Florida?

Yes, the water in Florida is safe to drink because local governments follow strict federal and state laws on monitoring water contaminants.

Where is the cleanest drinking water in Florida?

The city of Tallahassee's drinking water has been declared the best in the state of Florida.

Should I not be drinking tap water?

In most parts of the United States and Canada, it's safe to drink tap water from public water systems. Tap water that's been properly filtered is equally safe as bottled water and provides you with essential minerals you may not get from bottled water.

Is tap water in Orlando safe to drink?

Yes, you can drink tap water in Orlando.

People have reported a specific aftertaste to the Orlando tap water, but it is perfectly safe to drink. Many cities in countries all over the world have variations in the taste of their tap water.

Does Hillsborough County water have chlorine?

Customers may notice a slight difference in the taste and odor of their drinking water while this method is in use. The level of chlorine will be 2.5 to 3.5 milligrams per liter for most customers.

Is there fluoride in Hillsborough County water?

The drinking water in Hillsborough County already has a small amount _ 0.1 parts per million _ of naturally occurring fluoride.

Can I put Florida water in my hair?

Florida water also freshens and cools humid environments. Use a few drops of Florida water in your dresser drawer to give your clothes a pleasing and fresh aroma. Run Florida water in a piece of cotton through your scalp to fight itchiness and prevent dandruff.

Is Florida Water hard or soft?

Florida water is considered hard to very hard. What is considered had water? According to USGS, water is considered hard at 121 mg/L and very hard at 180 mg/L. The average water hardness for the Florida resident is 100 - 300 Parts Per Million.

What is Florida Water Good For?

When blessing and cleansing a new home, use Florida Water to anoint your floors, windows and doorways for protection, prosperity and luck. Washing with Florida Water soap will cleanse you before a ritual. Add a few drops to a spiritual bath to rid yourself of negative energy and encourage protection.

Does Florida have toxic water?

Florida toxic water crisis could be turning around

- Florida has a pollution crisis that has fouled up its fresh waterways for years.

Why can't you drink Florida tap water?

Toxins such as herbicides, factory solvents, disinfectants, and even low levels of arsenic and cyanide have been found in Florida's drinking water.

How deep should a well be for drinking water in Florida?

If a well is needed only for drinking water, then a well with the depth of only 60 feet will be enough. However, if the water from the well will be used for multiple purposes, then the well needs to be at least a 100 foot deep. In any case, the well should not be shallow otherwise it could dry in the drought season.

Is Hillsborough River fresh water?

The Hillsborough River empties into Tampa Bay, which is the largest open-water estuary in Florida. An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water where fresh water from rivers and streams flows into the ocean, mixing with the salty seawater.

Is the Hillsborough River healthy?

"The river is healthy right now, but there are always opportunities for improvement," College said.

Are there sharks in the Hillsborough River?

While some of the fishermen were surprised, angler Alex Morris told WFTS that there are “hundreds of baby bull sharks and black tips” in the Hillsborough River and that “they get about 7 foot out here.”

Where is the toxic water in Tampa?

Scientists say early effects of release were not widespread but questions remain. Contamination levels in part of Tampa Bay near a massive discharge of polluted water from the old Piney Point fertilizer plant site have declined, researchers said Monday.