It’s been nearly a year since Hurricane Ian plowed through much of Florida. While Jacksonville was spared from the worst of the storm’s impact, residents are still affected by the resulting water quality issues.

Jacksonville’s water supply is considered generally safe, though it typically contains nearly 30 known contaminants. Some residents complain of the water’s poor taste and eggy smell, but experts insist these aesthetic qualities don’t affect its safety.

Heavy storms and hurricanes can introduce pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants into the city’s water sources. Investing in water treatment and filtration solutions can ensure your home’s drinking water is safe.

United Air Temp can help you manage and mitigate post-storm water quality issues. As a leading provider of home comfort services since 1931, we provide the peace of mind that comes with having access to clean, healthy water every day.

Dangers of Hurricanes on Drinking Water Quality

Once a hurricane or rainstorm causes flooding, it dumps contaminants and toxins from soil, septic systems, and other sources into local water supplies.

Some of the potential dangers from this contamination include:

• Widespread pollution from floodwaters that pick up and carry bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other harmful substances into rivers, lakes, and drinking water reservoirs
• Raw sewage overflow that introduces dangerous pathogens into the water supply
• Water treatment facility damage that disrupts the purification process and allows contaminants to enter the drinking water supply
• Increased turbidity or cloudiness of various water sources, making it challenging to remove sediment and other particulate matter
• Power outages impacting a water treatment plant’s pumping stations
• Bacterial contamination, including E. coli and coliforms, which leads to gastrointestinal illnesses
• Hazardous chemical contamination from industrial facilities, household products, and agricultural runoff
• Waterborne diseases like dysentery, cholera, and giardiasis, the latter of which is often present during and after hurricanes

Mitigating these potential dangers requires appropriate action from local authorities and communities before, during, and after a hurricane. Common measures include distributing bottled water, frequent water testing, and public advisories.

Homeowners can also do their part by installing home-based water treatment and filtration systems to help reduce a hurricane’s impact on water quality.

Signs of Poor Water Quality

If you suspect your home’s drinking water is contaminated, these signs indicate it’s time to call an expert plumbing company to test your water.

• Discolored water: If your tap water is brown, blue, yellow, or green, contaminants might be the cause.
• Foul-tasting or odorous water: Clean drinking water is odorless and tasteless. Rotten egg, chlorine, and metallic odors and tastes shouldn’t be ignored.
• Sediments in your water: If you see particles floating in your water, it’s caused by lead or iron contamination.
• Plumbing fixture deterioration: Contaminated water can rapidly weaken pipes and plumbing fixtures.
• Health issues: If your or other family members start experiencing frequent gastrointestinal issues or other unexplained health problems that might be related to water consumption, it could be a sign of contamination.

Taking immediate action is critical if you observe any of these or other suspicious signs of water contamination. Stop drinking or cooking with the water and contact your local water utility or health department to report the problem and request testing.

Then, ask your plumber about water quality solutions to safeguard your family’s health and ensure you always have access to clean water.

How To Protect Your Home From Contaminated Water After a Hurricane

A good temporary measure to protect your family from post-storm contaminated water is boiling it before drinking, cooking, or using it for personal hygiene. Boiling water for just one minute kills most existing pathogens.

Choose UAT for Water Quality Solutions in Jacksonville

At United Air Temp, your health is our priority! We provide exceptional water treatment and filtration solutions for homeowners throughout the greater Jacksonville area.

Our local expertise, cutting-edge technology, and proven track record ensure you receive reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water quality solutions that always deliver clean and safe drinking water.

Call (904) 980-8769 to schedule water treatment for your Jacksonville home.