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4 Potential Health Risks of Drinking Unfiltered Tap Water in Florida

We all know that staying hydrated is important for our health and well-being. But did you know the water coming from your tap could be putting you at risk? As Floridians, we must understand what may be lurking in our drinking water and how to protect ourselves. 

While most municipal water systems work hard to deliver water that meets federal standards, our state’s unique geology can allow contaminants to seep into aquifers over time. As the owners of HydrotechFL, a water treatment company serving residents across Central Florida, we’ve seen firsthand how certain impurities frequent in Sunshine State taps might impact your health if left unaddressed. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at 4 potential risks associated with drinking unfiltered water and what you can do to safeguard your family’s hydration. Our role is to educate so you can make informed decisions – not to alarm. With the right filtration solution tailored to your area’s water quality, you don’t need to compromise your health to stay hydrated. Let’s get started!

Excess Chemicals

Municipalities add disinfectants like chlorine to kill germs, yet residuals can linger past the treatment plant. Long-term exposure to high levels may increase the risk for certain cancers, according to some research. 

Residuals form when chlorine combines with organic matter. Florida’s warm climate breeds more surface growth, concentrating potential byproducts. Groundwater also often holds higher naturally occurring levels of minerals like arsenic.  

Biofilm Growth 

Water pipes in our hot, humid state provide an inviting home for biofilm – layers of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. While most are harmless, some linked to digestive issues may persist despite chlorination. 

Undisturbed biofilm builds up over the years, periodically releasing outbreaks of opportunistic pathogens into unfiltered taps. The elderly and the immune-compromised are the most vulnerable.

Harmful Bacteria 

Though rare, untreated surface waters can host bacteria like Legionella and nontuberculous mycobacteria causing lung infections. Groundwater risks include parasitic crypto and giardia leading to “beaver fever.”

Boil water notices, while precautionary, remind us treatment isn’t flawless. Contaminated private wells also endanger those unaware of unsafe test results. Proper filtration offers important protection.

MTBE & PFOA 

Gasoline additive MTBE and nonstick chemical PFOA frequently leach into water sources near fuel depots and military bases throughout the state. Long-term exposure to high levels correlates with certain cancers and developmental issues. 

Both pollutants evade municipal treatment and persist for years subsurface. Fortunately, advanced carbon block filtration can reduce concentrations to non-detect levels.

Now that we’ve explored some potential health impacts, let’s discuss solutions from HydrotechFL. As a True Blue company, we take pride in transparently guiding customers towards water that supports well-being, not hinders it.

For whole-home protection, our multi-stage Big Blue systems eliminate issues using proven techniques. Sediment and carbon block filters protect plumbing while removing Cryptosporidium and 99.99% of all contaminants, verified independently.

British Berkefeld premium ceramics then infuse hydration with beneficial minerals for optimized pH balance. Self-clean functions ensure consistent, lifetime performance without wasting consumables. 

Automatic UV disinfection with activity monitors provides an extra barrier against biofilm and chemicals between routine filter changes. Custom programming even alerts of any interruptions.  

HydrotechFL also offers portable Countertop Blue systems for families on the go or those not ready for the whole-home. Designed for style, performance, and value, these provide the same protections as your sink.

With solutions starting around a penny per gallon, it’s an affordable investment that pays you back in both wallet and wellness. We take the time to understand each customer’s unique needs through complimentary water testing too.

So don’t risk your family’s health assuming tap filters alone suffice. Contact HydrotechFL today to experience the relief of drinking peacefully from any faucet, knowing your hydration is protected by True Blue standards of care. Your well-being is our top priority.