OUC — The Reliable One Takes Your Water Quality Very Seriously.
OUC draws its water from the pristine Lower Floridan Aquifer. We have used the same source since 1957 with a proven track record of producing water that meets the highest standards of purity.We closely monitor and sample our water as it is pumped from a system of 31 deep wells. We treat it with ozone, the strongest disinfectant available, at all seven of our water-treatment plants. We then continue to test our water at multiple points along the way to your tap.
OUC does not use lead services or pipes like those employed in older cities, and we take corrosion-control measures to not only protect our more than 1,800 miles of water lines, but everything else our water touches on the way to our customers' faucets.
In addition to meeting all federal and state regulations, OUC has its own water-quality lab that conducts 20,000 tests per year to ensure the quality and safety of our drinking water. Our chemists test for more than 135 regulated and unregulated substances including lead and copper. If customers have concerns about their water quality, they can call our lab at 407-434-2549 to speak with a water-quality professional or e-mail WQLAB@ouc.com.
Additionally, OUC mails its annual Water Quality Report to all water customers. It contains detailed information about our drinking water and the steps we take to ensure its safety. These consumer-confidence reports outline what we test for, OUC levels, and allowable levels. There is even a section publishing the results of our lead and copper sampling at customer taps. Past issues of Water Quality Reports are available on our website.
OUC’s Water Quality Laboratory is certified by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and is accredited to perform a wide scope of analyses. Certification is maintained through an on-site assessment every two years and performance of proficiency testing twice a year. Chemists at OUC’s Water Quality Laboratory perform thousands of chemical and bacteriological tests annually to ensure that your drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations. Customers can continue to enjoy OUC’s water knowing that it is tested regularly and surpasses the highest quality standards. For more information about OUC’s drinking water, call our Water Quality Laboratory at 407-434-2549 to talk to a water quality professional. Information is also available online at OUC.com/water.
Source Water Assessment
In 2019 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection performed a Source Water Assessment on our system. The assessment was conducted to provide information about any potential sources of contamination in the vicinity of our wells. There are 63 unique potential sources of contamination identified for this system with low to high susceptibility levels. These results of the source water assessment are not a reflection of our treated water quality, but rather a rating of susceptibility of contamination under guidelines of the Florida DEP SWAPP program.
A naturally clean water source.
OUC’s water comes from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, an underground reservoir that in many places is a quarter of a mile below the earth’s surface. The aquifer is fed by rainwater that is filtered through hundreds of feet of rock, undergoing a natural cleansing process. After pumping water from the aquifer to our water plants, OUC carefully treats the water to ensure its safety and enhance its quality.
Using ozone to produce great tasting water.
OUC uses ozone treatment at its seven water treatment plants to produce high quality, great tasting tap water, proudly dubbed H2OUC.
Ozone is the strongest disinfectant available and reduces the amount of chlorine that must be added. The result is clean, fresh-tasting water with a sparkling appearance. In 1995, OUC began converting its water plants to ozone treatment and built three new ozone plants. As required by law, we add chlorine to our water to maintain the high quality as it flows through pipes to customer taps. Fluoride is added to promote healthy teeth. We also add sodium hydroxide to prevent copper and lead from leaching into the drinking water from customers’ own plumbing, the primary source of these elements in our area.
Securing All Water Facilities
All OUC water plants are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems that include intrusion-detection systems, alarms, cameras and security fences around the perimeter of the properties. Armed security guards and law enforcement officers regularly patrol the facilities. You can be assured that OUC remains vigilant in monitoring and protecting our water facilities. The safety of your water is our highest priority.
Is chlorine added to the water?
Yes. The average concentration is 1.0 ppm (parts per million)
Does OUC use chloramines?
No.
Does OUC use ozone?
Yes
What is the hardness of my water?
The average hardness of OUC water is 129 ppm or 7 gpg (grains per gallon).
Does OUC add fluoride to its water?
Yes. The average concentration is 0.60 ppm. Fluoride is added to promote healthy teeth.
Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent tooth decay.
What is the water pressure?
The average pressure is 65 psi (pounds per square inch).
If you are experiencing water quality problems, call 407-423-9018.
An Unwavering Commitment to Quality
OUC draws its water from the pristine Lower Floridan Aquifer. We have used the same source since 1957 with a proven track record of producing water that meets the highest standards of purity. We closely monitor and sample our water as it is pumped from a system of 31 deep wells. We safely treat it with “Ozone,” the strongest disinfectant available, at all seven of our water-treatment plants. We then continue to test our water at multiple points along the way to your tap.
OUC does not use lead pipes like those employed in older cities, and we take corrosion-control measures to not only protect our more than 1,800 miles of water lines, but everything else our water touches on the way to our customers' faucets.
Going Beyond What’s “Necessary”
OUC has reviewed the EPA’s requirement and based on this, we are in compliance. Previously, we have tested at the EPA’s request, and now with the formal EPA ruling, we will test and report in accordance with requirements.
In addition to meeting all federal and state regulations, OUC has its own water-quality lab that conducts 20,000 tests per year to ensure the quality and safety of our drinking water. Our chemists test for more than 135 regulated and unregulated substances including lead and copper.
What Are PFAS Compounds and Where Are They Found?
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are noted for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
Considered “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily, PFAS are used in a variety of everyday products – non-stick cookware, furniture, electronics, medical devices, clothing, dental floss, pizza boxes and more – and throughout the environment, which makes it very difficult to establish limits solely for water.
Although there are multiple ways PFAS enter the environment, the main sources of PFAS contamination into the air, soil, and water are manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, waste storage and treatment sites, and similar locations.
People can be exposed through using consumer goods, drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, especially fish, or breathing in contaminated dust. A proposed federal rule would require companies to disclose of products made with PFAS.
Where Does My Water Come From?
OUC’s water comes from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, an underground reservoir that in many places is 1,320 feet, a quarter of a mile, below the earth’s surface. The aquifer is fed by rainwater that is filtered through hundreds of feet of rock, undergoing a natural cleansing process. After pumping water from the aquifer to our water plants, OUC carefully treats the water to ensure its safety and enhance its quality.
What Water Safety Measures Are in Place?
All OUC water plants are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems that include intrusion-detection systems, alarms, cameras and security fences around the perimeter of the properties. Armed security guards and law enforcement officers regularly patrol the facilities. You can be assured that OUC remains vigilant in monitoring and protecting our water facilities. The safety of your water is our highest priority.
What’s Next?
OUC has reviewed the EPA’s requirement, and based on this, we are in compliance. With the formal EPA ruling, we will test and report in accordance with requirements. For more information about PFAS provided by the EPA, and how the agency plans to address the issue, go here.
OUC’s Water Quality Report
OUC’s annual Water Quality Report is available to all water customers at OUC.com/wqr2022.
It contains detailed information about our drinking water and the steps we take to ensure its safety. These consumer-confidence reports outline what we test for, OUC levels, and allowable levels. There is even a section publishing the results of our lead and copper sampling at customer taps. Past issues of Water Quality Reports are available at OUC.com/wqr.
Questions and Concerns
If customers have water quality questions or concerns, they can call our lab at 407-434-2549 to speak with a water-quality professional or e-mail WQLAB@ouc.com.
To Learn More
Visit www.epa.gov/pfas.