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City & Well

Mercury

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Mercury Contamination in Drinking Water Around Tampa Bay, Florida

Presence of Mercury in Drinking Water

Mercury is a heavy metal that can be found in trace amounts in water sources around the world. In higher concentrations, mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause brain and kidney damage with long-term exposure.

In Florida, mercury contamination in drinking water is a concern in some areas due to both natural and industrial sources. Geologically, Florida has deposits of mercury that can leach into ground and surface waters. Industrially, sources like coal-burning power plants, mining, and chlorine production can release mercury that makes its way into water supplies.

Around Tampa Bay, mercury has been detected in both municipal and well water sources:

Hillsborough County

  • Apollo Beach

  • Brandon

  • Carrollwood

  • Cheval

  • Dover

  • FishHawk

  • Gibsonton

  • Lake Magdalene

  • Lutz

  • Mango

  • Progress Village

  • Riverview

  • Seffner

  • Sun City Center

  • Temple Terrace

  • Thonotosassa

  • Town 'n' Country

  • Valrico

  • Wimauma

Pinellas County

  • Bay Pines

  • Bayonet Point

  • Clearwater

  • Dunedin

  • Gulfport

  • Indian Rocks Beach

  • Indian Shores

  • Kenneth City

  • Largo

  • Madeira Beach

  • Oldsmar

  • Palm Harbor

  • Pinellas Park

  • Redington Beach

  • Redington Shores

  • Safety Harbor

  • Seminole

  • South Pasadena

  • St. Pete Beach

  • St. Petersburg

  • Tarpon Springs

  • Tierra Verde

  • Treasure Island

Pasco County

  • Aripeka

  • Bayonet Point

  • Holiday

  • Hudson

  • Hudson Beach

  • New Port Richey

  • New Port Richey East

  • Odessa

  • Port Richey

  • San Antonio

  • Shady Hills

Polk County

  • Auburndale

  • Babson Park

  • Davenport

  • Dundee

  • Eagle Lake

  • Fort Meade

  • Frostproof

  • Haines City

  • Highland Park

  • Hillcrest Heights

  • Lake Alfred

  • Lake Hamilton

  • Lake Wales

  • Lakeland

  • Lakeland Highlands

  • Medulla

  • Poinciana

  • Polk City

  • Wahneta

  • Winter Haven

Other Counties

  • Zephyrhills (Pasco County)

  • Dade City (Pasco County)

  • Plant City (Hillsborough County)

Health Concerns from Mercury

The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 2 parts per billion (ppb) for mercury in drinking water. At low doses, mercury may cause neurological problems, especially in young children and pregnant women. High, acute exposure can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning include impairment of peripheral vision and hearing, lack of coordination, and numbness in the hands and feet. Mercury bonds tightly to proteins in the body, so it is not easily excreted. Over time it can accumulate to toxic levels in body tissues.

Infants and young children are especially sensitive to mercury. Exposures during brain development can impair cognition and motor function. In pregnant women, high mercury levels increase the risk of brain damage and developmental delays in babies.

For these reasons, it is critical that drinking water sources are tested and treated to remove any traces of mercury. Private well owners should have their water screened annually. Water treatment at the municipal level is regulated, but additional in-home treatment provides an extra layer of protection.

Water Treatment Solutions for Mercury

The good news is that mercury can be effectively removed from drinking water using the proper treatment methods. Here are some recommended treatment solutions capable of eliminating mercury from water supplies in Tampa Bay homes:

Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Reverse osmosis uses a multi-stage filtration process with a semi-permeable membrane to remove mercury and other contaminants. It is one of the most effective methods for mercury removal. The AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System from Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions provides clean, healthy water for drinking and cooking.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Carbon filters absorb mercury through a process called adsorption. The AquaCarbonGuard Filter utilizes a high-grade catalytic carbon that is specially designed to remove heavy metals like mercury.

Oxidizing Filters

Oxidizing filters use chemicals like chlorine or ozone to convert dissolved mercury into an insoluble compound that can be filtered out. The HydroClear Ozone Generator from Aqua-Wise infuses water with ozone to oxidize and eliminate contaminants.

Ion Exchange Water Softeners

Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove calcium and magnesium ions. This process also eliminates heavy metals like mercury. The AquaLux Water Softener is an effective and eco-friendly salt-free system.

UV Disinfection

UV systems use ultraviolet light to damage the DNA of pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce. The AquaGuard UV System provides chemical-free disinfection without leaving a residual taste or odor.


For whole-home protection, the AquaBlue Whole House Filter System combines several treatment technologies like UV, carbon filtration, and water softening in one integrated package.


Business and municipal water treatment requires more advanced commercial systems. HydroTech Pro and WellFusion from Aqua-Wise offer comprehensive solutions for large facilities and public water systems.


Protect Your Health with Clean Water

Given the well-documented health risks of mercury exposure, it is essential to treat your drinking water if you live in an at-risk area. For Tampa Bay residents concerned about potential mercury contamination, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers various effective treatment options to remove mercury and ensure the highest quality drinking water.


Learn more about mercury and other drinking water contaminants affecting the Floridan Aquifer system which supplies most of Florida's drinking water.

Hard water itself can also negatively impact your health, hair, skin, and home. Treatment solutions like water softening and filtration can restore the quality of your water for better health and everyday use.


Protect yourself and your family by testing your water annually and choosing the right treatment solution for your needs. Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers free water testing to Tampa Bay area residents.


Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: 727-236-7161

Our team will come to your home to collect water samples and analyze them for mercury and other contaminants. We'll then recommend the perfect water treatment solutions for your needs. Right now we're offering special discounts, financing options, and promotions to help Tampa Bay residents access clean, healthy water.

Don't wait - schedule your free test today to start enjoying the benefits of purified water throughout your entire home!

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