Known as one of the best cities in Florida, Gainesville is a great mix of suburban and urban culture. With lots of restaurants and parks, this place offers a great place to be for young individuals.
But, Gainesville suffers from water contamination that is a threat to all its residents. So, if you are one of them, you may want to take effective measures to save yourself from any health issues.
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Water Status in Gainesville
As per a report on tests conducted by theEPA in 2019, the tap water in the city met the standards of federal drinking water.
However, since these standards haven’t been updated in the last 20 years, it wasn’t right to give the quality of water a passing grade.
So, this doubt led to further tests by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It detected eight different contaminants in the same water facility.
And three of them exceeded the EWG guidelines. All these impurities on the list were cancer-causing. So, considering the facts and EWG’s database above, it is clear that Gainesville tap water isn’t very safe.
And if you want to stay healthy while living in this town, you should either opt for bottled water or install a water filter.
Why is Water in Gainesville Contaminated?
The principal water source in Gainesville is the Floridan Aquifer. It is a massive underground water supply that produces more than 2.5 billion gallons of water every single day.
The water from the aquifer goes to the water plants, where it gets a proper treatment before it reaches your home. But, just because you get clear-looking water to consume doesn’t mean it is safe.
Like any other big city in the US, Gainesville’s water supply also suffers from water contamination. Most sinkholes in town allow various contaminants to seep into the water lines.
While the water goes through many levels of treatment, it may still contain some invisible microorganisms. Moreover, with many outdated water pipes, residents of Gainesville often complain about discolored water. It is usually caused by lead and excess minerals.
A large proportion of people living in Gainesville also consume water from private wells. With loose water casing and incorrect drilling, these wells can be some of the most unprotected sources of water. Many contaminants like pesticides and nitrates make them vulnerable and unsafe to consume the water they supply.
The reason to highlight this information was not to scare you. But to help you take care of yourself before anything terrible happens.
Install a Water Filter
For your and your family’s safety, do not consume water directly from the tap. It might contain dangerous contaminants that could possibly ruin your health.
The best option available is to install a water filter. You can either go for an ro system or opt for a whole-house filter.
But make sure your chosen unit can meet the requirements of your household. Besides, for your own good, invest in a filter that requires minimum maintenance.
Most people also consume bottled water frequently. While this is an easy solution, drinking water from bottles is far more costly than installing a water filter.
According to the article on the best-osmosis-systems.com, a family of four can save up to $2000 US dollars every year by using filtered water instead of bottle one.
That’s an impressive cost advantage. Moreover, using a plastic water bottle every day harms the environment.
But of course, it all comes down to your preferences.
What’s more, most people who live in rented properties may not get permission to install a water filtering unit. Also, many students do not have the funds to make such an investment.
So, choose whichever option suits you but make sure to stop drinking water directly from the tap.
Beautiful Gainesville, But!
You are fortunate to be living in a town as beautiful as Gainesville. But, as nothing is perfect, this city lacks a water supply that’s 100% pure. Installing a filter at home to keep all the harmful contaminants at bay is the easiest solution.
Moreover, make efforts to reduce water pollution as much as you can. Don’t throw waste in water sources and reduce the use of fertilizers. Keep your water lines clean and get your water regularly tested.
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