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Water Resources

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1. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The most frequent cause of smelly water is insufficient water usage. Water needs to be run to keep the lines full of fresh water. If the house has been empty or has had the water turned off for more than a few days, it will need to be thoroughly flushed for a few minutes to clear the smell. An odor in one faucet in the house can usually be remedied by flushing the offending faucet. 

Other possible causes are:

• Water softener (if applicable) malfunctioning or in need of service.
• Bacterial growth in a drain, or a dried out drain. Treat with baking soda and vinegar or go online for other drain freshening ideas
• Buildup of scale in hot water tank. Go online and search for how to ‘Flush your Water Heater’.

2. What is a backflow prevention device, and who would need it?

A backflow prevention device is an assembly that is designed to prevent the reverse flow of water into the City's distribution system. This prevents contaminants from customers flowing back into the distribution system and spreading to other locations.
Residents on wells or alternative sources of water, commercial and reuse water customers are required by City Ordinance to install backflow prevention devices to protect the public water system.
Annual inspection and testing is required to be performed by a Certified Backflow Prevention Tester with documentation provided to the City.

3. What do I do about a sewer backing up?

To report a sewer line issue or emergency, please contact 407-703-1731.
A staff member is available to assist you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

4. How I report potholes and other street repair issues?

Street maintenance issues are reported to the Streets Division in the Public Works Department.

Potholes and sidewalk issues can be reported online.
The Streets Division can also be contacted at 407-703-1731.

5. How hard is my water?

Apopka’s source water contains between 102-222 parts per million of hardness.
This equates to 6-13 grains of hardness.

6. I have a water break or leak who should I call?

To report a water line break, leak or other water issue or emergency, please call 407-703-1731 Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. After hours please call 407-703-1757.

7. Why does the City have a storm water charge?

Storm water management is a state and federally mandated program that requires the City to regulate storm water in an effort to reduce pollution.
Federal or state governments, however, do not provide funding. Consequently, the revenues needed to support this mandated program are provided through a Storm water Utility Fee.
The funds generated by the Storm water Utility Fee are used to support projects throughout the City to improve drainage and water quality.

8. My meter box is overgrown — who is responsible to clean it up?

It is the customer's responsibility to keep the meter box clear of overgrown sod, shrubs, and other debris.
The meter box must also be clear of cars and trucks blocking it.

9. The storm drain on our street is clogged. Who do I call for repairs?

The City will determine if the clog is in the City portion of the line or the customer’s portion.
If it is in the City portion, the City will repair. Anything on the customer’s side is their responsibility.
Please contact Public Services at 407-703-1731 and a work order will be made.

10. How often should I have my grease trap pumped?

Grease traps should be pumped at a minimum of every 90 days in accordance with the City's Oil and Grease Management Program.

11. Why use reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water is less expensive and better for the environment. Approximately 1/2 of the water withdrawn from the Floridan Aquifer ends up as lawn irrigation. The fresh water in the aquifer is limited. Conserving potable water and using reclaimed water will help preserve the aquifers as a viable resource for future water supplies.

12. Is fluoride added to my water?

Fluoride occurs naturally in our water at a level of about 0.2 parts per million.

13. Do I need to buy bottled water or can I drink from tap?

There is no need to buy bottled water for health reasons since the drinking water in Apopka meets all state and federal water standards.
Also, bottled water is up to 273 times more costly than Apopka drinking water.

14. What is reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been thoroughly treated to remove harmful organisms and substances, such as bacteria, viruses and heavy metals, so it can be reused for irrigation purposes.

15. Where does my water come from?

The City's drinking water currently comes from the Floridan Aquifer.
The Floridan Aquifer averages 1000 feet thick and can extend to a depth of 2000 feet below land surface.
The Floridan aquifer can be thought of as an underground porous rock that holds water and allows the water to move through the holes in the rock.

16. Why is my water discolored?

Discoloration in water can be caused by a high flow rate, or a change in direction of the flow. Because many of the City of Apopka’s water main distribution lines are looped, changes in demand in one area can change the flow direction in other areas. Discolored water can also occur when we test fire hydrants, during new construction connections to the water mains, and if there is a main break. Discoloration in the water may also be cause by aging water hoses or toilet tank parts. If the water coming from your faucet or in your toilets appears black or greasy, you may need to replace these hoses. If you find that your faucets are producing discolored water, run them for at least three minutes. If this does not clear up the discoloration, please contact the City so that we can come flush the main lines for the whole area. 

17. What do I do if my water looks like soda in a glass?

This means that there is air in the water lines, whether in your home or in the City mains. Overly aerated water can also appear milky white. The air can get into the lines from construction connections, main breaks, or drastic changes in temperature. Try flushing the faucets in your home. If this does not clear up the issue then please contact the City so that we can conduct large scale flushing

18. Do I need a home water treatment device?

The City of Apopka neither recommends or discourages buying and installing any home water treatment device. We do encourage you to do your homework and investigate all claims made about these devices, and to check the performance if you have one installed. We also strongly recommend that you follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for care and maintenance of these types of units. At the end of the day, this is a decision that is really a matter of personal preference regarding the taste or softness of the water.

19. How do I report a problem with my water?

Please call 407-703-1731 Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. After hours please call 407-703-1757.

20. Who should I contact with questions about my water bill, or if I need to start or stop service?

Please contact the Utility Billing Department Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM at 407-703-1727. Please also see the Utility Billing section of our website 

21. Does the City have water restrictions?

Yes. Please see the City’s Water Conservation page for more information.

22. Someone contacted me about a free in-home water test. Do they represent the City of Apopka?

The City of Apopka Water Department tests and treats your water every day, to make sure that it meets or exceeds all State and Federal requirements for safe drinking water. City of Apopka Employees will always be in City issued uniforms with the City logo on them and have visible City of Apopka photo ID cards. We’ll never need to enter your home as we take all of our samples at outside faucets.  

Companies that offer “free “ home water tests may be trying to sell you water treatment products that you don’t need. Be suspicious if you are told or shown an in home test that has detected pollution of contamination in your water. In-home tests are highly unreliable and are very rarely able to detect harmful substances. Tests that make tap water “change color” may make it appear the your water is unhealthy, when it is perfectly safe. All sample testing for the City of Apopka water is completed by an outside State Certified lab that is held to strict testing requirements. If you have any questions please contact us.

23. What is a Precautionary Boil Water Notice?

This is a notification that advises our customers to boil tap water if it is going to be used for drinking or cooking. These notices last a minimum of two days to allows us to verify that the water is safe with two passing bacteriological samples. These types of notices are usually issued if there has been a emergency repair in your area or a scheduled shut down for maintenance to the system. Shut downs and repairs cause a loss of pressure to the system that may allow contaminates to enter. We issue the boil water notices as a precaution even though contamination is unlikely. We collect our first sample shortly after the completion or the work, and then collect a second sample the next day. Each of the tests for bacteria take 24 hours to run. We strongly encourage our customers to boil their water due to these disruption to the water system in their area. These notices do not mean that the water is contaminated, but because we are unsure when these situations happen, we ask you to take precautions and assume that the water is unsafe, until we can scientifically prove otherwise.

24. How does the City of Apopka Water Department inform customers about boil water notices?

We typically hand-deliver Precautionary Boil Water Notices and their rescissions door-to-door in the affected areas. We also notify the local health department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) with every occurrence. Specific questions regarding a notice can be directed to the contact number on the notice.

25. Is it safe to Shower during a Precautionary Boil Water notice?

It is safe to shower as long as you take care not to swallow the water or get it into your eyes, nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immuno-suppressed or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted. Individuals may wish to contact a health care provider for specific recommendations.

26. Is it safe for my pets to drink the water during a Precautionary Boil Water notice?

You should take the same precautions with your pet as you would for yourself. Pets should be given boiled or bottled water. In cases of aquatic pets, such as fish, you should not try to change their water while a precautionary boil water notice is in effect.

27. What should I do after the Boil Water Notice is lifted?

After the boil water notice is lifted, flush the water out of your distribution lines. Start with an outdoor faucet furthest from your meter and flush all outdoor faucets. Run hot water through each indoor faucet until you notice a change in water temperature. Remove the aerator before flushing kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. Run enough hot water to flush the hot water heater. If you have an automatic icemaker, empty the ice tray several times to ensure that the line to the ice maker is flushed, also consider replacing the water filter for the fridge.

28. Is there copper or lead in City of Apopka Water?

The natural copper or lead content of City of Apopka water is well within the state and federal safe drinking water guidelines, but it’s possible that prolonged exposure of the water to your household plumbing and fixtures will result in a temporary concentration at the faucet.

29. Can the risk of exposure to copper or lead be reduced?

Yes, let cold water faucets run for about 30 seconds if they have not been used for a few hours. This will rinse away any temporary build up of copper, lead or other minerals that may occur in your plumbing fixtures. Also use cold water (never hot) when cooking, drinking, or making rice.