New Drinking Water Disinfection Regulations

What’s New?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public water supplies and has established new maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The goal for compliance with the new EPA levels is October 1, 2013 for Seminole County’s water system serving the Northwest Water Service Area (NWSA).

EPA Information

What is a disinfection byproducts (DBP)?

DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), are formed when chlorine is used as a water disinfectant to protect against waterborne disease-causing microorganisms. DBPs form when the disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic material already present in the water.

What is being done?

Seminole County will begin construction of improvements to the Markham Regional Water Treatment Plant, the plant that serves the NWSA, that will reduce the levels for DBPs to comply with the new regulations. These improvements are scheduled for construction starting in January 2013 with completion on or before April 1, 2015; 18 months after the October 1, 2013 goal. Seminole County has requested an 18 month extension from the EPA to become compliant with the new regulations.

How can I get more information?

To provide more information about the treatment upgrades and address questions, the Seminole County Environmental Services Department has scheduled a Public Meeting to which all persons are invited.

The Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in an open house format at the Markham Woods Middle School Cafeteria, 6003 Markham Woods Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746.

 

Click here for more information about the Public Meeting

Who can I contact with questions?

NOTE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, you can contact us by mail or telephone:

Didier Menard, Public Involvement Coordinator
Email: dmenard@ch2m.com
Phone: (407) 665-2050
Mail: 510 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

Terry McCue, Project Manager
Email: tmccue@seminolecountyfl.gov
Phone: (407) 665-2021
Mail: 500 W. Lake Mary Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773