CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT

For more information please contact: The City of Punta Gorda Utility Department at 326 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950, (941) 575-3339. Or you may contact the Department of Environmental Protection potable water compliance/enforcement section at (239) 344-5600.
Conservation: Saving for our future one drop at a time!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

 

Water Quality Report, 2023

The City of Punta Gorda has a surface water and a ground water plant with Shell Creek as our source of water.  Water impounded by the Hendrickson Dam is known as Shell Creek Reservoir and is the fourth largest surface water system within the boundary of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  The system, including the dam, was constructed in 1964.  Shell Creek Reservoir is fed by two creek systems consisting of Shell Creek from the east and Prairie Creek from the northwest.  The total drainage area at Hendrickson Dam is 373 square miles creating a reservoir surface area of approximately 800 acres containing 765 million gallons of water. The treatment plant has a design rated capacity of 10 million gallons per day.  Our type of treatment is conventional treatment consisting of coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration.  Alum is used as the coagulant to remove large particles in the water, powdered activated carbon is added for the removal of objectionable taste and odors, a polymer is added to aid in sedimentation, and finally the pH is adjusted.  A stabilizer is also added to the finished water for corrosion control in the distribution system. The ground water plant is feed by 6 wells which is feed thru two RO skids with a rated capacity of 4 million gallons a day. Both sources of water are blended together before it is sent to the distribution system.

Source Water Assessment

The 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 surface water intakes. The surface water system is at high risk because of the many potential sources of contamination present in the assessment area.  The assessment results are available on the FDEP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program website at Source Water Assessment & Protection Program or they can be obtained from:

City of Punta Gorda Utility Department at 326 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda Fl. 33950,
(941) 575-3339.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

1. Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
2. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring  or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
3. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, residential uses.
4. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and  can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
5. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at: 1-800-426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS, or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The Environmental Protection Agency and or centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminates. These are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

DEFINITIONS

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Maximum residual disinfectant or MRDL: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminates.

Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG): The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminates.

Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/L): One part by weight of analyte to 1 million parts by weight of the water sample.

Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter: one part by weight of analyte to 1 billion parts by weight of the water sample.

Picocurie per liter (pCi/L): Measure of radioactivity in water.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): Measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.

Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Compounds formed during the disinfection of drinking water with chlorine.

Unregulated Organic Contaminants: There are no MCL’s for unregulated compounds, but they are monitored for in water samples to determine or evaluate which compounds, if any should be considered for regulation.

WATER QUALITY RESULTS

Inorganic Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Barium (ppm)	7/23	N	0.017	N/A	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries erosion of natural deposits
Sodium (ppm)	7/23	N	40.7	N/A	N/A	160	Saltwater intrusion, leaching from soil
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm)	1/23	N	0.37	0.37	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Nitrite (as Nitrogen) (ppm)	1/23	N	0.0256	0.0256	1	1	Saltwater intrusion, leaching from soil.
Arsenic (ppm)	7/23	N	0.0014	0.0014	0	0.010	Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes.
Cyanide (ppm)	7/23	N	0.026	0.026	0.2	0.2	Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories.

 
 Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Product (D/DBP) Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Chloramines (ppm)	Jan-Dec 2023	N	3.5	2.2-5.1	4	4	Water additive used to control microbes
Haloacetic Acids (five) (HAA5) (ppb)	2/23 5/23 8/23 11/23	N	51.6 (highest LRAA at Site 1) 6176 Lagorce Dr	30-51.6	N/A	80	By-Product of drinking water disinfection
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (ppb)	2/23 5/23 8/23 11/23	N	32.5 (highest LRAA at Site 4) 342 Monaco Dr	11-32.6	N/A	60	By-Product of drinking water disinfection

  Total Organic Carbon Testing Results
The monthly TOC removal ratio is the ratio between the actual and required TOC removals

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Total Organic Carbon	Monthly 2023	N	2.11	1.19-2.66	N/A	TT	Naturally present in the environment

 Radiological Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Alpha Emitters (pCi/L)	4/21	N	3.2	0-3.2	0	15	Erosion of natural deposits
Radium 226+228 (pCi/L)	4/21	N	0.501	0-0.501	N/A	5	Erosion of natural deposits

Synthetic Organic Contaminant including Pesticides and Herbicides Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date Mo/Yr	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Simazine	10/23	N	0.15	0.15	4	4	Herbicide runoff

 

Microbiological Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Turbidity  (NTU)	Jan-Dec 2023	N	0.43	0.05-0.43	N/A	TT	Soil runoff

  

Lead and Copper (Tap Water) Testing Results

Contaminants and unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	Action Level Violation Y/N	90th Percentile Results	Number of sampling sites exceeding the AL	MCLG	Action Level	Likely Source of Contamination
Copper Tap water (ppb)	6/23	N	0.12	0	1.3	1.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits, leaching from wood preservatives
Lead Tap water (ppb)	6/23	N	0.0044	0	0	15	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits, leaching from wood preservatives

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Punta Gorda is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water

SPECIAL NOTES

Cryptosporidium and Giardia: Cryptosporidium and Giardia are microscopic organisms, which can enter surface waters from run off containing animal wastes. If ingested they cause diarrhea, fever, and other gastro intestinal symptoms. The City has monitored for Giardia and Cryptosporidium in the past and the organisms were not detected in either the source water or the finished water. Currently the City is testing again for Cryptosporidium and Giardia over the next 24 months.

Turbidity: Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms, these organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Sodium: Softeners to reduce calcium hardness at home that use salt to regenerate may contribute increased levels of sodium in the drinking water. Consumers that are on reduced salt (sodium) diets should consider this in cooking and drinking.

For More Information About:

Water Quality: Call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline, ( 800 ) 426-4791.

For questions concerning this report or the water treatment process: Contact the City Water Treatment Plant at ( 941) 639-2057

Water Conservation and use restrictions: Contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District at ( 800 ) 423-1476 or the City Utility Department at ( 941 ) 575-3339 or visit the City's Website at www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us and follow the links to the Utility Department.

The City of Punta Gorda City Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM in City Hall located at 326 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, Florida.

The City of Punta Gorda City Council has also appointed a Utility Advisory Board of local citizens which meets the fourth Monday of each month at 9:00 AM in City Hall. All meetings are noticed and open to the public.

The City of Punta Gorda Utility Department works around the clock to provide the best service and water quality possible. We ask that all our customers help us to protect our water resources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children's future.

Unregulated Contaminants

The City of Punta Gorda has been monitoring for UC (including the raw water indicators of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Bromide) as part of a study to help the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determine the occurrence in drinking water of UC and whether or not these contaminants need to be regulated. At present, no health standards (for example, maximum contaminant levels) have been established for UC. However, we are required to publish the analytical results of our UC monitoring in our annual water quality report. For the complete list of results, including the non-detected contaminants, contact Brian Fuller at (941) 639-2057. If you would like more information on the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR), please call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

EMERGENCY INTERCONNECT

The City of Punta Gorda now has an emergency interconnect with The Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PR/MRWSA). This interconnect was constructed to be able to pump water to and from The City of Punta Gorda and PR/MRWSA during emergencies. During normal operation a maintenance flow is maintained from one of the systems to keep the lines and tank fresh.

The PR/MRWSA, uses surface water from the Peace River as its source of supply. The Peace River is a large river by Florida standards, having a drainage area of 2300 square miles. The head waters originate in the Green Swamp of northern Polk County, flowing through Lake Hancock, Winter Haven chain of lakes, and Lake Hamilton. The mouth of the Peace River is located at Punta Gorda, 120 miles downstream from the headwaters, delivering needed fresh water to the Charlotte Harbor estuary.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has conducted Source Water Assessments for all public water systems in Florida. The assessments will identify and assess any potential sources of contamination in the vicinity of your water supply. A Source Water Assessment Report for the PR/MRWSA was completed in 2013 and is available at the DEP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program web site: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp

The tables below are the water quality reported to the City from PR/MRWSA.

PR/MRWSA – Inorganic Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Barium (ppm)	1/23	N	0.010	N/A	2	2	Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Sodium (mg/l)	1/23	N		N/A	N/A	160	Salt water intrusion; Leaching from soil
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm)	1/23	N	0.006	N/A	10	10	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Nitrite (as Nitrogen) (ppm)	1/23	N	0.008	N/A	1	1	Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride (ppm)	1/23	N	0.142	N/A	4	4.0	Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

 

PR/MRWSA –Microbiological Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date Mo/Yr	MCL Violation Y/N	Highest Single Measurement	Range Of Results	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Turbidity (NTU)	Jan-Dec 2023	N	0.16	0.10-0.16	N/A	TT	Soil runoff

 

PR/MRWSA – Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Products (D/DBP) Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date Mo/Yr	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range Of Results	MRDLG	MRDL	Likely Source of Contamination
Chloramines (ppm)	Jan-Dec 2023	N	3.85	3.52-4.09	4	4	Water additive used to control microbes
Total Trihalomethanes TTHM (ppb)	Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct 2023	N	62	40-62	N/A	80	By-Product of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic Acids (five)(HAA5) (ppb)	Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct 2023	N	35	20-35	N/A	60	By-Product of drinking water disinfection

 

PR/MRWSA – Total Organic Carbon Testing Results
The monthly TOC removal ratio is the ratio between the actual TOC removal

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Total Organic Carbon	Monthly 2023	N	1.601	1.35-1.93	N/A	TT	Naturally present in the environment

PR/MRWSA – Lead and Copper (Tap Water) Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	Action Level Violation Y/N	90th Percentile Results	Number of sampling sites exceeding the AL	MCLG	Action Level	Likely Source of Contamination
Copper Tap water (ppm)	8/2023	N	0.0740	0	1.3	1.3	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Lead Tap water (ppb)	8/2023	N	0.0025	0	0	15	Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

 

PR/MRWSA – Radiological Testing Results

Contaminants and Unit of measurement	Sampling Date MO/YR	MCL Violation Y/N	Level Detected	Range of Results	MCLG	MCL	Likely Source of Contamination
Alpha Emitters (pCi/L)	Jan-Dec 2022	N	1.6	1.1-2.1	0	15	Erosion of natural deposits
Radium 226 (pCi/L)	Jan-Dec 2022	N	0.6	0.3-0.9	0	5	Erosion of natural deposits
Radium 22 (pCi/L)	Jan-Dec 2022	N	0.07	0.5-0.9	0	5	Erosion of natural deposits

City of Punta Gorda Water Rates

The City utility budget is solely supported by the revenue generated from utility impact fees and rates. The City water rate structure is multi-faceted to meet several objectives. The costs are in two categories, fixed (costs the utility incurred regularly without regard to the volume produced), and variable (costs associated with the volumes of water produced). There is also a difference in rates based on location, inside the City and outside the City limits. This is followed by a difference in volume of water consumed or used, the higher the volume, higher the costs per thousand.

 

A monthly base facility charge per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) shall be charged to all customer classes as follows:

Customer	Monthly Base Facility Charge Inside City October 1,2021	Monthly Base Facility Charge Outside City October 1,2021
All Classes	$11.31 per ERU	$14.14 per ERU

 

 

In addition to the monthly base facility charge above, a monthly customer charge will be charged to all customer classes as follows:

Meter size (inches)	Monthly Customer Charge Inside City October 1,2021	Monthly Customer Charge Outside City October 1,2021
All Classes	$4.92	$6.15

 

 

In addition to the monthly base facility charge and monthly customer charge, a monthly volume charge will also be determined based upon all water used, as determined by the City water meter, and will be billed monthly as follows:

City of Punta Gorda Historical Monthly Usage Per Class in Gallons

City of Punta Gorda Utilities
326 W. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950

Phone: 941-575-3339
Fax: 941-575-5006

Website: www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us

Office hours: Monday – Friday 8:00A.M. – 4:30P.M.
Closed on Holidays

Billing & Collections
Phone: 941-639-2528
Fax: 941-575-5042

Water Treatment Plant
Phone: 941-639-2057
Fax: 941-639-9491

Wastewater Treatment Plant
Phone: 941-639-1883
Fax: 941-639-9416

AFTER HOURS WATER AND SEWER EMERGENCIES

941-639-2057

** If your call goes to the voicemail, please leave a message and a

licensed water plant employee will call back as soon as their duties allow. **

 Reporting Archive

2022 CCR

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