Common Questions

Here are some of the most common information we have received from folks with regard to setting up, maintaining and terminating their North Port Utilities accounts. If you can't find the answer to your question below, please feel free to call our Customer Care Team at 941-429-7122. We will be happy to help!

I’ve sold my home and would like to terminate water service in my name, what do I need to do?

Once you have closed on the sale, you can send a copy of the closing statement to the Utilities Customer Care Office via fax to 941-429-7121, email to NPUtilities@cityofnorthport.com, or hand-deliver it to the office located on the first floor of City Hall at 4970 City Hall Blvd. Once we receive proof that you are no longer the legal owner of the property, staff will obtain a final read on your meter, terminate your account, and generate your final bill. Please ensure we have the correct new address to forward your final bill.

I’ve recently purchased a house and would like to set up water service, what do I need to do?

Initiation of new accounts requires the following:

• Completed and signed New Customer Information Form & Utility Service Agreement Authorization Form- Available on our Utilities page.
• A Legible copy of Photo ID
• Legal Proof of Ownership (such as Title, Deed or HUD Statement)- first and last pages only, with all signatures- within 10 Calendar days from the date of closing.
• Ensure all outstanding balances or liens are paid in full- Please Note: service will be withheld until all outstanding balances and liens have been satisfied.
• Fax all documents to 941-429-7121 or Email to NPUtilities@cityofnorthport.com or visit the Utilities Cashiering Office at 4970 City Hall Blvd (1st floor).

I would like to change the address of where my bills are being sent, what do I need to do?

You can submit the change as an online Service Request. You can also complete the “Change of Mailing Address” section located on the back of your utility bill and return it with your payment, or contact us at 941-429-7122 and we will make the change for you.

I am a new tenant and would like to establish a Utilities account in my name, what do I need to do

It is North Port Utilities ordinance that all residential accounts are ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, and all accounts remain in the property owner’s name. However, property owners can request free duplicate e-billing or a duplicate copy of the bill be sent to a third party at a cost of $3.50 per month for the paper version. Please note: Duplicate bills will not list a tenant’s name, they will be sent addressed to ‘Current Resident’. To request a duplicate bill, submit an Electronic Bill Authorization Form.

Here are some of our most common billing questions we get from our customers. If you can't find the answer to your question below, please call our Customer Care Team at 941-429-7122. We will be happy to help!

What is the $50 charge that appeared on my first bill for?

A $50 initiation fee is applied to your first bill to cover the administrative costs of account set-up and the initial meter reading.

Why do I have a balance even though I didn’t use any water last month?

Even if there has been no water usage at a property, you are still responsible for the base facility charges for water and sewer. Base facility charges are ‘readiness to serve’ charges for the availability of services to a property that help cover fixed operating costs, maintenance of water and sewer lines, and the personnel required to operate and maintain the utility system in a readiness to serve status.

How is my bill calculated?

Your bill is comprised of a combination of base facility and usage charges for both water and sewer (if available). Base facility charges are a fixed amount no matter how much water you use. Usage charges are based on how much water you use -measured in thousands of gallons- and billed in a tiered structure with the rate increasing with the more water that is used. Your sewer usage is charged based on water usage recorded up to a maximum of 12,000 gallons for residential. For more information on our rate structure you can visit our Utility Billing page or call our Customer Care Office at 941-429-7122 with any questions.

Why is the sewer charge on my bill so much more expensive than the water?

Base facility and usage charges for sewer are higher than water charges because it is more expensive to process and treat wastewater.

I had a leak on my property that caused my usage to be significantly higher than usual, will I be responsible for the cost associated with the leak?

While you are responsible for the cost of any water usage, billing adjustments may be made in some cases to help reduce the financial cost associated with an excessive water loss. You can submit an Adjustment Request Form or contact our Customer Care Office at 941-429-7122 to obtain a copy. You can submit your adjustment request via email to NPUtilities@northportfl.gov or you can mail or drop off your request to our office at North Port Utilities, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL 34286. Please note that adjustment requests are reviewed on a case by case basis in the order in which they are received, so the request may take several weeks to process. You will be notified once the request has been processed and the adjustment, if any, has been made to the account. Adjustments are not guaranteed in every case.

I am planning on refilling my pool, is there a possibility to reduce the cost for the water used?

If you are going to fill a pool you can request an adjustment on your bill based on the amount of water being used by completing a Pool Fill Adjustment Request Form. Submit the completed form along with documentation from your pool contractor, if any, to our Customer Care Office to be processed.

I am unable to pay my utility bill by the due date, is there any way I can avoid having my service cut off?

All payments are due within 21 days of the bill’s issue date. If payments are not received by the due date, a late fee is applied to the account and a delinquency notice is sent out. If you are unable to make payment before the date listed on the delinquency notice, a payment extension may be granted upon the account holder’s request. Please note that delinquency and late fees will still be applied to the account. The extended due date cannot be set out further than one day before the next bill’s due date. If payment is not received by the agreed upon date of the extension, the account will be scheduled for shut-off.

Are there any assistance programs available to help me pay my utility bill?

The City’s H2O (Help to Others) program is designed to assist North Port residents in need with their Utilities bills. For information regarding this and other community financial assistance programs that are available to North Port residents, please contact Social Services at 941-423-3887.

During planned system maintenance and construction or during unforeseen emergencies such as broken water mains, hurricanes, or losses of water system power or pressure, it may be necessary to issue a precautionary boil water notice to our customers.

Water pressure keeps unhealthy pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your home or business. When the pressure is lost, contaminants can seep into the pipes. So, as a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water to kill any bacteria that may have entered the water.

Boiling the water disinfects it, destroying any microorganisms that might have entered the water main during the period it was being repaired. Bottled water can also be used as an alternative to boiling tap water.

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about boil water notices and what our customers should do until the notice is lifted. ;If you don't see your question here, please call our Customer Care Team at 941-423-38870 and we will be happy to help.

What to I need to do when a boil water notice is in effect for my area?

The tap water should be heated to a rolling boil for one (1) full minute before using. Therefore, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing fruits, vegetables, and dishes be boiled. ; This should be done until two (2) consecutive water samples (bacteria testing) show the water is safe for consumption. ;Customers will be notified when this has occurred and that the boil water advisory is cancelled through a "Rescission of the Boil Water Notice" (door knocker and/or website/media release).

Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, as long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth. ;Children and disabled individuals or those with suppressed immune systems should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal those individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immuno-suppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.

Customers should follow boil water procedures until they receive a public notice that cancels the boil water advisory.

After service is resumed, it is advised that residents open their faucets for a few minutes to clear their water lines. Do not use the water for washing clothes until the water is running clear.

Why was a boil water notice issued for my water?

A boil water notice is issued by water utilities or health agencies as a precaution to protect consumers from drinking water that may have been contaminated with disease causing organisms (also called pathogens). Boil water notices are typically issued when an unexpected condition has caused a potential for biological contamination of water in a public water system. Common reasons for a boil water notice include loss of pressure in the distribution system, loss of disinfection, and other unexpected water quality problems. These often result from other events such as water line breaks, treatment disruptions, power outages and floods.

How long will the need to boil water continue?

Public notification will be given when the boil water notice is lifted.

How do I boil my water so that it is safe to drink?

Bring water to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for 1 MINUTE, then allow the water to COOL BEFORE USE. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing.

Here's an easy way to remember... ROLL for ONE then COOL.

Does my in-home water treatment system provide enough protection?

No! The Department of Health does not encourage residents to rely on home treatment units. It is recommended that you use boiled (and then cooled) water or an alternate source such as bottled water. Most in-home treatment devices are not designed to remove pathogens, and should not be relied on to protect you during a boil water event. Even treatment units that are designed to remove pathogens may not do so all the time unless they have been properly maintained. Common home treatment devices that have limited or no ability to remove pathogens include: carbon filters; water softeners and other ion exchange units; sediment filters; chlorine removers; and aerators.

What if I have a reverse osmosis treatment unit on my faucet or house?

A properly operating reverse osmosis (RO) unit can remove pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However there are many units available to the public through hardware stores and elsewhere, not all of which can be relied upon to remove pathogens. Furthermore, RO units must be diligently maintained to assure effective treatment. If you are at all uncertain of the capabilities of your reverse osmosis unit, do not rely on it to remove potentially harmful pathogens. Instead, you should use boiled (and then cooled) water or water from an acceptable alternate source.

What if I have a water pitcher/dispenser with a filter?

Most of these units are not capable of removing pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The few that are designed to do so, may still require disinfection to address viruses and must be properly operated and diligently maintained to ensure effective treatment. It is recommended that you use boiled (and then cooled) water or an alternate source such as bottled water.

Are there any other ways to disinfect my water so that it is safe to drink?

Boiling and bottled water are the most reliable means to ensure safe potable water during a boil water event and should always be your first choices.

What is an acceptable alternate source for safe drinking water?

Acceptable alternate sources for drinking water include:

• Bottled water
• Water from another public water supply (one that is not under the boil water notice)

Is it safe to use bottled water?

It is safe to use bottled water. Such water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing with no further treatment. Bottled water may be preferable when boiling is not possible or is inconvenient. It is always a good idea for consumers to keep an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for just such a use.

Can I use my water for cooking?

No, any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source or boiled first.

What if I am boiling my water as part of the cooking process?

It is more protective to boil the water first, to prevent the potential for inadequate heating. The cooking process should bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before adding the food item (for example, making pasta). If the water will be at a slight boil for a long time, then this will also be protective. For example, you may be cooking beans or boiling chicken for 10 - 20 minutes.

How should I wash fruit and vegetables and make ice?

Fruits, vegetables, and any other foods that will not be cooked should be washed and rinsed with boiled (and then cooled) water or water from an acceptable alternate source. Similarly, ice should be made with either boiled water or water from an acceptable alternate source.

Can I use my water for making baby formula or drinks?

No, not without precautions! Any water used for baby food, formula, or making beverages must be boiled (and then cooled) or be from an acceptable alternate source.

Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?

Hand-washed dishes: No! Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.

Home dishwasher: Yes, if the hot wash is at least 170o F and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.

Commercial dishwasher: Yes, if it is a NSF listed washer and manufactured and operated with a heat sanitizing rinse set at 170oF that lasts for at least 30 seconds. Additional information on commercial dishwashers can be found in the fact sheets for food service establishments.

CAUTION - "Green" or "Environmentally Friendly" dish washer additives, which may be advertised as a disinfectant or anti-microbial, are weaker disinfectants and should not be relied on alone to eliminate potential pathogens.

Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing clothes?

Yes, unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, it is safe to wash clothes in tap water as long as the clothes are completely dried before being worn. However, increased turbidity that sometimes occurs during a boil water event may discolor clothing, especially whites.

Can I brush my teeth with the water without boiling it?

No! Any water you ingest or place in your mouth should be disinfected by boiling (and then cooled) or come from an alternate source. Bottled water is excellent for brushing your teeth.

Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving?

Unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing as long as care is taken not to swallow water and avoid shaving nicks.

To minimize the chance of infections, people with open wounds, cuts, blisters or recent surgical wounds and people who are immunocompromised or suffer from chronic illness should use boiled water (then cooled) or water from an alternate source*. Children and disabled individuals should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Sponge bathing is advisable, and bathing time should be minimized to further reduce the potential for ingestion.

How should I wash my hands during a boil water notice?

Generally, vigorous hand washing with soap and your tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use boiled (then cooled) water, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for hand washing.

If a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued (as example, when sewage or chemical contamination is present), your water should not be used for any purpose, including personal hygiene. Only water from an acceptable alternate source should be used instead.

Should I use hand sanitizing lotion or wipes?

Hand sanitizing wipes alone are not enough, especially to clean your hands for making food. Alcohol based sanitizers work against some common germs (like E. coli, and Salmonella) but may not be effective for cryptosporidium and bacterium spores.

Is the water safe to give to my pet?

To be certain, give them water that has been boiled then cooled or water from an acceptable alternate source. Many pets regularly drink some pretty bad water, but pets come in a wide variety with variable resistances to pathogens. Many pets are vulnerable to the same diseases that humans can get from contaminated water and can spread these diseases into the environment or pass them on to their owners. More specific information may be available from your veterinarian, based on the actual animal and conditions for the boil water notice.

Does a boil water notice affect how I can use my toilets?

There is no need to disinfect water used for flushing. Unless a "Do Not Use" notice was issued, or a water conservation notice was issued along with the boil water notice, there is no restriction or concern about using your toilet.

What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?

The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is certainly possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immuno-compromised. This is why boil water notices are issued.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor's involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.

What infectious organisms might be present in contaminated water?

There are many possible water borne pathogens.

These organisms primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, with or without fever. Sometimes, these illnesses are contracted by ingesting contaminated water, and in some circumstances skin contact could also lead to infection. Most of these illnesses are not usually serious or life threatening except in the elderly, the very young or those who are immune compromised.

What should homeowners do when the boil water notice is lifted?

Flush household pipes/faucets first: To flush your plumbing, run all your cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.

Automatic ice makers: Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.

Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with direct water connections or water tanks: Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. If your filters are near the end of their life, replace them.

Water softeners: Run through a regeneration cycle.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) units: Replace pre-filters, check owner's manual.

Replace other water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.

Here are some common questions regarding field and other services that customers often ask. ;If you don't see your question here, please contact our Customer Care Team at 941.240.8000 and we will be happy to help!

I am planning on purchasing a property in North Port, how can I find out where City water and sewer are available?

Visit CityofNorthPort.com/Utilities to access our Water & Sewer Availability Lookup, which allows you to search by street name or parcel ID number to determine if water and sewer service is available to a specific property. Maps of our water and sewer systems are not available to the public. For more information about the cost to connect, please contact our Field Service Office at 941-240-8000.

How do I read my meter?

Your meter is located in a box in the ground, usually near your front or rear property line. Usage is recorded on an odometer-like display located on the meter’s face. Although the meter will record each gallon of water that passes through it, we read and bill in thousand gallon units (TGALs). The water usage you are billed for is the difference between the last month’s and current month’s reading. Please note that some meters have a digital display and may require direct light to be read.

I am a seasonal resident; should I have my service turned off at the meter while I am away?

We recommend that if your property is going to be vacant for an extended period that you have your water turned off at the meter as a precaution to prevent unnecessary water loss or property damage due to an unseen break or leak. There is no charge to schedule a seasonal turn-off, however, we require at least two business days’ notice for a seasonal turn-on and a $35 reconnection fee will be applied to your bill. Please note that your account will still incur base facility charges during the period your meter is turned off.

The backflow device on my property is leaking, can you send someone out to repair it?

The backflow device is the responsibility of the property owner. If your device is leaking or has been damaged, you will need to call a licensed plumber to have it repaired.

I have water and/or sewage coming up my drains, can you come out and have a look?

If you are experiencing a sewage backup in your home, you will need to contact a licensed plumber to assess where the blockage is located. If the plumber finds that the blockage is not on the property, the plumber will need to provide the Utilities Department with proof of the location of the blockage and you may seek reimbursement through the City for their work.

My water usage has gone up drastically but I haven’t been doing anything differently, what could be the cause?

An unexplainable increase in water usage can have many causes. Unfortunately, North Port Utilities does not have the ability to determine what that cause may be. However, North Port’s water meters are equipped with a leak detector which shows if water is moving through a meter at any given time. If a leak detector shows water moving through the meter when no water is on, then it is likely that a leak is the culprit. If the leak detector shows the presence of a leak, a plumber would need to be contacted to determine the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs. If you suspect a leak on the property and are having trouble locating or checking the leak detector on your meter, please contact the Field Service Office at 941-240-8000. If the leak detector shows no indication of a leak present, there are several other possible causes of high usage, including but not limited to: a malfunctioning timer on an irrigation system, an outside hose that was left on for an extended period, a malfunctioning water softening system, or even a toilet flapper that is not sealing correctly with every flush.

North Port Utilities works hard to provide quality water and wastewater services to all of our customers. Our goal is to make sure that we provide the highest water quality possible so our customers have confidence in their water. A large part of what we do include regular monitoring and sampling for water quality in the City’s water distribution system. Our technicians monitor system disinfection levels, perform water quality checks, and flush lines when necessary to maintain water quality.

We take water quality concerns very seriously, and water quality calls are treated with priority at the City of North Port. In fact, the City in cooperation with citizens of North Port have recognized the need to form a Canal Watch Group.

Canal Watch Observation Forms can be downloaded here.(PDF, 125KB)

The canal system in North Port serves as the city’s drinking water source and must be protected from pollution. One major goal of the Canal Watch Group is to educate the public on how to minimize pollutants in our water resources through communication within our communities and neighborhoods. Another goal is to observe the canals for any illicit discharge or general unhealthiness. Examples of concern include excessive fertilizing or fertilizing during prohibited wet months.  Concerns also include oil sheen, illegal dumping, improper disposal of plant and animal waste, algae blooms, excessive turbidity, dead fish and other affected wildlife.  To help protect our water quality, North Port City Commission unanimously approved a resolution on October 9, 2018, to encourage the voluntary non-use of fertilizer year-around.   

For more information about the newly formed Canal Watch Group, please contact:

Elizabeth Wong
Stormwater Manager
(941) 240-8321
ewong@northportfl.gov

Often, we get calls about common situations within the household that can be easily addressed by the resident. Here are some of the most common water quality questions our residents have and what you can do about them.

Why is there a pink stain in my toilet/sink/tub?

The pink stain or residue that you may be seeing is actually Serratia Marcescens, airborne bacteria, that thrives on moisture, dust and phosphates. Florida’s humid environment makes a great home for the bacteria is naturally occurring in soil, food and in animals. The pink residue that folks encounter is generally noted in toilets, sinks, tubs, and sometimes pet bowls.

This is not a problem with your water quality. Serratia Marcescens cannot survive in disinfected drinking water delivered through a closed system, but once water sits in open air long enough for the residual disinfectant to dissipate, the bacteria can settle in. Because areas like a toilet, shower curtain, or pet dish allow water to sit for in open air for a period of time, they provide a great place for the bacteria to survive. Also, customers who have activated carbon filters that remove disinfectants may see this more.

Good news!

There are simple steps you can take to get rid of the stains. Regular and thorough cleaning of the areas with chlorine bleach is the best way to prevent the pink. Other steps you can take include:

• Wiping tubs, showers, curtains and drains dry and spraying with a mist of a bleach product or disinfectant.
• Cleaning the toilet bowl regularly. You may wish to add ¼ cup of bleach to the toilet tank, let stand for 15-20 minutes, and then flush the bowl a couple of times to fully rinse the disinfectant. Bleach should not be left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods, however, as it will damage the rubber seals and valves inside.
• Avoid any abrasives that could scratch or rough up the fixture finish, this can raise the potential for bacteria to grow.
• Cleaning pet water bowls in a similar manner. Leave a bleach solution in the bowl for 15-20 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.

Why does my water stink?

No one likes foul odors, especially when it comes to their water. There could be a few causes of the sewage or rotten egg you may be smelling. Most commonly, gas will accumulate in the drain or pipes and once the water is turned on, the gas is forced up and out of the drain into the air around the sink, leading folks to think the smell is from the water.

The most common culprit is hydrogen sulfide gas, which most people will notice an odor at levels as low as .5 parts per million (PPM). Under 1 PPM, a musty smell may be noticed and between 1-2 PPM you may smell something like rotten eggs.

Where is the smell coming from?

To combat the odor, the first step is to figure out if it is truly coming from the water itself or another source. This is as simple as filling a glass of water from the tap and walking away from the faucet before you take a sniff. We recommend walking out of the room. If you don’t notice the smell from the water when you change your location, then the smell is likely from the drain or pipes.

If you have determined that the smell is definitely coming from the water itself, please contact us at 941-240-8000.

P-Traps

If the water isn’t run regularly where you notice the odor, it may be a P-trap issue. Most plumbing fixtures contain a P-trap to prevent gas from backing out through your drain. In order to work, P-traps need to be properly vented and have a regular supply of water going through them. If they dry out or are not properly vented, the trap seal can’t function properly, allowing gas to escape into your home. We see this frequently with seasonal residents, in spare restrooms that are not regularly used, or when people return from long vacations. Generally, simply running the water for a few minutes will air things out and the smell usually doesn’t come back with regular use.

Presence of Bacteria in Drains

If the fixture is used regularly, smell of sewage may likely be caused by bacteria in your drain producing gases that rise when the faucet is turned on. This bacteria can come from soap, food or other materials in the drain and causes gas to sit in the drain near the sink.

To remove any bacteria from your drain, you will need to disinfect the sink and pipes with some cleaner, making sure that you get into the pipes right inside your drain. We recommend using a small brush. Once clean and rinsed, you can disinfect with some chlorine bleach.

Hot Water Heaters

If you only experience the smell when using hot water, you may have bacteria growing in your hot water heater. When a water heater’s temperature is too low, or it’s off for an extended period of time, it provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow.

If you think your hot water heater may be the issue, you can try adjusting your temperature setting up higher for up to 24 hours and then running the hot water fixtures to flush out the pipes. We also recommend flushing your hot water heater. Please take care if you raise your heater’s temperature to avoid any burns from the hotter water.

Still Smelly?

If you have investigated and taken these steps and you are still smelling an odor, you may need to contact a plumber to help you locate the source of the issue. While we do all we can to help our customers and answer their questions, we cannot diagnose issues with plumbing inside your home. Please feel free to contact our office a t941-240-8000 any with questions or concerns and we will be happy to help as much as we can.

Why does my water look cloudy/milky?

Sometimes water may look cloudy or milky when you first pour it from the tap and then clears up after a few seconds. This is not a water quality problem and is completely harmless. What you are seeing is the result of tiny air bubbles in the water which may be resulting from a couple of things.

Repairs

If repairs have recently been made to the water lines serving your area, you may notice some cloudiness resulting from air in the lines from the repair work. Flushing your faucets should clear this up.

Temperature

When it is very cold outside, air becomes more soluble in water as the temperature decreases, so cold water holds more air. As the water warms up in your pipes, the air is no longer soluble and comes out of the solution in tiny bubbles, giving the cloudy or milky appearance. If you let the water sit in an open container, the bubbles will disappear on their own.

Pressure

Similarly to cold water, water that is pressurized (like in our system) holds more air than water that isn’t. If the pressure in our system is high, the air comes out of the water once the water flows from your tap and loses that pressure. The result is tiny air bubbles clouding up the water. If you let the water sit in an open container, the bubbles will disappear on their own.

Why is my bath water blue/green?

Sometimes, when filling a tub, the water can appear to have a tint of blue or green that becomes deeper the higher you fill the tub. There are a few things that might cause this.

Lighting

Believe it or not, the most common reason for this blue/green tint stems from the lighting in your bathroom. Water absorbs some colors and reflects others when light shines on it with the color becoming more distinct as the water grows deeper. Different light bulbs produce different types of light, causing the water to appear different colors. To make sure it’s not the water itself, simply fill a glass of water and bring it outside into the sunlight. If there is no tint, then you can bet it’s the lighting.

Fixture Finish

While your tub or sink may be white, there may be a slight form of color added to the finish during the manufacturing process that is magnified by the water. To make sure it’s not the water itself, simply fill a glass of water and bring it outside into the sunlight. If that same color isn’t there, then you can bet it’s the tub or sink.

Copper Pipes

Another possible cause of a blue/green tint to water may be corrosion of copper piping. In Florida copper piping typically has a life expectancy of 20-25 years. In older homes, this corrosion is likely from natural wear and tear over time. There are certain things that can speed up the corrosion of copper piping such as pH imbalance of the water, sand sediment and grit wearing down the pipe, and high water velocity wearing down the inner lining of the pipe. If you are concerned about copper in your water, you can purchase a water test kit for copper, contact a water professional to test it for you, or you can contact a plumber to inspect your piping for corrosion.

Water Heater Corrosion

Over time, the aluminum anode rod in water heaters can slowly erode, forming a green gelatinous material. This may be particularly noticeable when you drain your water heater.

Why does my water look yellow/brownish?

Utility Work

Repairs are a common necessity for every water distribution system and in the process sometimes rust or other particulate matter can be stirred up. We typically flush the lines once the repair is made to remove any air and rust that can cause discoloration, but we can’t flush your service line. While this discoloration isn’t harmful, it can stain and we recommend letting the water run for a few minutes to get rid of any discoloration. If the discoloration persists, please call us at 941-240-8000 and let us know.

Flushing Water Lines

In order to maintain proper disinfectant residuals in areas where there are dead end lines or less movement due to seasonal vacancies, it is necessary to flush lines. The change in pressure and velocity during flushing can loosen rust particulate in the lines temporarily causing a yellowish color to the water. While this discoloration poses no health concern, we recommend running your faucets for a few minutes until your water runs clear.

Why is my water pressure lower at my kitchen sink?

If you have filtration system under your sink, you may need to change the cartridge. Cartridge filters at the end of their life cycle can become filled with harmless particulate matter, slowing the water flow to the faucet. You can find replacement filters at most home and hardware outlets. Be sure to check the filter system’s manufacturer recommendations and note the filter type and size to make sure that you get the correct cartridge for your system.

What’s In A Flush?

Using your toilet as a trash can not only increases the likelihood for system issues with costly and embarrassing plumber visits, but also increases your monthly water usage. Each flush uses roughly 5 gallons of water, so the cost and environmental impact to flush a tissue or something else that can be thrown away adds up quickly.

Remember, anything that goes down the drain will have an impact once it moves beyond your pipes. Besides things that can clog either your septic or the City sewer system, chemicals, medicines, fertilizers and other hazardous materials can disrupt the wastewater treatment process or make their way back into the environment.

The best rule of thumb for toilets is to always stick to the three P’s: Pee, Poop and Paper (Toilet paper only).

Here is a quick reference for things that should never be flushed:

• Feminine products
• Wipes
• Diapers / cloth of any kind
• Fats, oils & greases
• Condoms
• Hair / dental floss
• Medications
• Kitty litter
• Large chunks of waste / food
• Hazardous materials
• Plastics / toys
• Cigarette butts
• Q-tips / cotton pads
• Gum
• Fertilizer / pesticides
• Plastic bags
• Bagged pet waste

Think Before You Sink!

It’s often tempting to just run the water and put it down the drain when you’re working in the kitchen, but there are some things that you should never send down the drain (even with a garbage disposal).

Here are some things that should never be put down the sink:

• Fats, oils & greases
• Egg shells
• Coffee grounds
• Produce stickers
• Medications
• Paint
• Hair / dental floss
• Fertilizer / pesticides
• Car fluids
• Food / gum
• Citrus peel
• Flour / pasta / potatoes

When the wrong things go down the toilet or drain, they end up stopping up the sewer system, damaging equipment and reducing the efficiency of the wastewater collection system. Here are just a few examples of what can happen:

Fats, oils and greases coagulate into hard masses and mix with wipes, hair, plastics and other debris to clog pumps. When this happens, lift stations cannot move flows along toward the wastewater plant and pumps can burn out. This causes the system to malfunction with costly repairs to lift station equipment.

For more information on flushables vs. non-flushables and their impact on wastewater systems, please contact our Field Office at 941-240-8000. We are happy to provide information to our customers on an individual basis, or in a group setting. If your community or civic group would like a presentation, just let us know.