You turn on the tap, fill a glass, and drink without thinking twice. But are you really aware of what could be flowing through your water? 

Understanding what’s commonly found in Tampa Bay’s local drinking water is the first step toward doing something about it. Our team at One Green Filter outlines what to know, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with! 

Key Takeaways: 

• Tampa Bay water often contains hard minerals, chlorine, PFAS, microplastics, and other contaminants.  

• These substances can affect water quality, plumbing, appliances, skin, and hair.  

• Water that meets safety standards may still contain contaminants homeowners want to remove.  

• Professional water testing helps identify what’s in your home’s water.  

• Customized filtration and softening systems can target specific water quality concerns. 

Keep reading for a deeper dive into what could be in your water here in the Tampa area.  

Florida Water is a Unique Case 

Florida pulls water from groundwater sources that naturally contain high mineral content, and on top of that, municipal treatment adds its own set of chemicals to make it “safe” to drink. However, safe and clean aren’t necessarily the same thing.  

Add in aging pipes, humidity, and heat, and you’ve got conditions that make water quality a real, ongoing concern for homeowners in our area.  

The Most Common Contaminants Found in Drinking Water 

Here are some of the most common contaminants we find in Tampa Bay water: 

#1. Hard Minerals  

Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring in our groundwater and responsible for the buildup on faucets, shower glass, and even your hair and skin, making them feel dry. This type of water is referred to as ‘hard water’, and it can also lead to the shortened lifespan of your water heater and appliances. 

#2. Chlorine and Chloramines  

These are added by municipal water systems to kill bacteria, which is a good thing. But once that water reaches your tap, the chemicals still linger. They affect taste, smell, and over time, aren’t something most people want to keep consuming. They can also dry out skin and hair with regular exposure. 

#3. PFAS, also known as “Forever Chemicals” 

PFAS are substances used in consumer products and industrial foams, which are widespread in Florida’s groundwater and springs. They can linger in our water resources for decades and in the human body for up to 35 years and are linked to many negative health effects, like cancer. 

#4. Microplastics  

Microplastics originate from the breakdown of larger plastic products, synthetic clothing fibers, packaging materials, and other everyday items. Because they are so small, they can travel through waterways and eventually make their way into your drinking water.  

Recent studies have detected microplastics in drinking water supplies around the world, raising questions about their potential impact on human health and the environment.  

Also, because microplastics are often invisible to the naked eye, professional water testing and advanced filtration solutions can help homeowners feel better about the water they are drinking.  

#5. Volatile Organic Compounds and Pesticides  

These can enter groundwater through agricultural runoff and industrial activity, both increasingly common in our area. These are harder to detect without testing and aren’t something a basic filter can handle on its own. 

#6. Microorganisms  

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites originating from sewage, wildlife, and agricultural livestock operations are less common in treated municipal water but can be a real issue in well water or homes with plumbing problems. If your water smells off or you’ve had unexplained stomach issues, this is worth investigating. 

The Problem With “Good Enough” Water 

Most tap water in our area is “technically” safe. But meeting a legal requirement and being genuinely clean and healthy are two very different things. What you can’t see, or taste can still affect your plumbing, your appliances, your skin and hair, and even your health. 

That’s exactly why a one-size-fits-all approach to water treatment doesn’t work here. Florida’s water is so different depending on your plumbing, your source, and your location.  

“Joel changed our water filter easily and quickly! He was super informative, polite, left no trace of his visit, and took the time to answer all my questions. We always get the best service from this team; we wouldn’t recommend any other water service provider. Thanks again for the top-notch service.” – Nicole

Cleaner Water Starts Here 

You can’t identify most contaminants by looking at a glass of water. Water may appear perfectly clean while still containing chemicals, metals, microplastics, or microorganisms.  

So, before you can fix the problem, you need to know what you’re actually dealing with. At One Green Filter, we start every project with professional water testing. From there, we design a custom filtration or softening system built around your specific water conditions. 

Ready to find out what’s really in your water? Contact our team today to schedule your FREE water test and take the first step toward cleaner and safer water for your home!