Drinking Water

Public and Private Drinking Water 

The Drinking Water Program is designed to protect the public from risks associated with contaminated drinking water supplies. Over 90 percent of Florida’s drinking water comes from groundwater supplies. Therefore, several programs have been enacted in Florida to closely monitor our drinking water.

Drinking Water Toxics Program

• Private water wells are monitored through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This program is designed to protect the public from agricultural chemicals (ethylene dibromide), industrial solvents, radionuclides and heavy metals.
• DEP identifies the potential hazard to groundwater supplies in a geographical area. The private wells within a specific distance (usually ¼ mile) to the hazardous site are identified as “at risk” for environmental contamination. 
• Once at risk wells are identified, the well sampling is conducted by our department. 
• Sample results are reported to the private well owners along with health advisories.

Limited Use Wells

This program deals with Limited Use Public Water Systems (public water systems not covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act), and multi-family water systems. Definitions for these systems and statutory authorization are found in Section 381.0062 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 64E-8 of the Florida Administrative Code establishes the rules to implement the statutes. Please contact 850-983-5275 if you are planning to install a well that will serve more than one residence or any commercial building. Our office can help guide you through the process and additional construction requirements for the well.

Forms

DH Form 4092 Water System Construction Permit Application

DH Form 4092 Application for Limited Use Water System Operation

DH Form 4095 Limited Use Commercial Water System Registration

Environmental Public Health Bill Pay

Environmental Public Health bills and fees can be paid in person at the Environmental Public Health office in Milton, by mail, or you can visit MyFloridaEHPermit.com to pay online (service fees will apply for use of online bill pay).

If fees are paid online, please send confirmation of payment and any required paperwork to EHealth@flhealth.gov

Monitoring Water Quality

Our office works closely with Department of Environmental Protection and North West Florida Water Management in an effort to resolve drinking water complaints.