How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Water Quality

The majority of Florida residents, including those here in Polk County, get their water directly from the Floridan Aquifer. This prehistoric underground river, surrounded by limestone rock, is continuously recharged by rainfall and by lakes and other waterways that drain into the aquifer. There are over three thousand lakes in Central Florida alone. Consequently, seasonal changes in our subtropical climate, with periods of cold weather and frequent heavy rains, can affect water quality in three primary ways.

Heavy Rainfall and Storm Runoff 

In the summer, Central Florida often experiences heavy rain, which can have both benefits and drawbacks. Rainfall is essential for recharging the aquifer. However, stormwater runoff from these summer storms usually contains pollutants, such as sediments, phosphates, nitrates, and bacteria, from agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial facilities, which can leach into the groundwater supply. Installing specific water treatment systems, such as sediment or activated carbon filters, can help remove these contaminants, providing your family with safe, clean, and better-tasting water.

Temperature Fluctuations

Warmer water temperatures, particularly in the summer, accelerate the growth rate of algae and bacteria, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). It leads to more frequent, severe, and prolonged Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). HABs can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife (leading to fish kills). They also cause unpleasant odors, discoloration, and reduce water clarity.

Increased Mineral Concentration

Higher temperatures also increase evaporation from surface water, such as lakes and streams that feed the aquifer. This evapotranspiration leads to higher concentrations of pollutants in the remaining water bodies. During the drier winter months or periods of drought, the overall volume of water in the aquifer drops. As the water table drops, the concentration of dissolved minerals increases, along with the water’s hardness. Signs of hard water include mineral buildup on fixtures, soap scum, and a chalky or metallic taste. 

Where to Get the Best Water Quality Year-Round in Polk County

Unhappy with the taste of your tap water? Tri-Florida Water Treatment and Purification specializes in helping homeowners avoid the seasonal changes that affect water quality. We offer a range of customized water treatments, including whole-house filtration, water softeners, and reverse osmosis purification systems to deliver consistently high-quality water straight from your tap, regardless of the season. We service the entire Polk County area, including Fort Meade, Frostproof, Lake Wales, and Lakeland, FL. Call now for your free water quality test!