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WATER UTILITIES - EMERGENCIES, DISASTERS AND YOU

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  How Do Water Utilities Deal With Natural Disasters and Emergencies? Diamondhead, Ms Utility Operations Building Damage After Hurricane Katrina-Photo by Donna Kaluzniak Well, we had a slow hurricane season in Florida this year until Hurricane Isaias became the first major hurricane of 2026. Isaias tore through the Florida Panhandle, bringing destructive winds, tornados and flooding across the southeast U.S. When you think about natural disasters in Florida, tropical storms, hurricanes and flooding are probably top of mind. But many different emergencies and disasters can affect your water utility.  So, what can your water systems do to keep the water safe and flowing for customers - like you? And what can you do to prepare? Assessment and Preparation By law, all water utilities must have equipment, supplies and written plans and procedures for various emergencies and disasters.  Equipment and Supplies Tampa Bay Water's Fuel Trucks for Emergency Response-Photo by Donna K...
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IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER

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  Can You Really Imagine A Day Without Water? October 15, 2026 is the day to  Imagine a Day Without Water .  Imagine a Day Without Water is part of the U.S. Water Alliance's Value of Water campaign, inspiring Americans to appreciate our water and the need for investment. Every year, Imagine a Day Without Water reminds us to think about how important water is to our everyday activities--by seeing what life would be without it.  But can we really imagine this? I believe it's difficult, at least for most of us in the U.S. Just think. . . no morning shower. No coffee. No flushing (oh, no)! Dehydration. Illness (no handwashing). No clean dishes or laundry.  Businesses and industries have to shut down. Schools have to close.  No hospitals. No water to fight fires. Water is Critical - But Almost Invisible Daytona Beach Water Treatment Facility - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak While water is critical to our life, we hardly notice it unless something goes wrong. Water t...
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HOW DO INDUSTRIES USE AND TREAT WATER?

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Appreciating Industrial Water Treatment Pros I've highlighted drinking water , wastewater and reclaimed water here at the Florida Water Geek. But these descriptions were focused on domestic water uses--homes and commercial businesses. What about industries?  Photo by Randgruppe - Pixaby Since this is Industrial Water Week , I thought I'd give our industrial water treatment professionals some well-deserved attention. Nearly every industry - from power plants to food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, electronics, data centers and more - uses water.   Water may be used as part of the manufacturing process itself, or for cooling, cleaning, or materials transport.  Where Do Industries Get Their Water? From the Local Water Utility Drinking Water System Some industries get their water from the local utility. They use the utility's treated drinking water, which is metered and paid for like any customer. Proper cross-connection control and backflow prevent...
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FLORIDA ESTUARIES: THE GUANA RESERVE

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  Celebrate  National Estuaries Week Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak© National Estuaries Week is September 19 - 27, 2026 .  Estuaries are ecosystems where rivers meet the sea. Typically, fresh water and salt water meet to form brackish water that changes with the tides. Plants and animals in estuaries must be adaptable to these changes. Estuaries also serve as buffer zones, providing flood protection, preventing erosion and filtering pollutants. They provide safe areas for numerous fish, shellfish, and birds, including many threatened and endangered species. There are only 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States. The Guana Reserve is one. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve) , sometimes called Guana Reserve, is right down the road from my house!  The GTM Reserve protects 76,760 acres in Nort...
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WHY WE SHOULD APPRECIATE SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS

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  Septic Tanks Protect Our Water September 14 - 18, 2026 is SepticSmart Week , so I thought it would be a good time to highlight these important treatment systems!  SepticSmart Week is EPA's annual event to bring attention to the importance of maintaining septic tank systems. Thirty percent of Florida's population use septic systems, also known as onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS). That's about 2.6 million septic systems in operation in the state.  They are often used in rural areas where centralized wastewater treatment plants are not practical, but may also be found in suburban locations. Septic tanks are located on the home or business property, and the property owner is responsible for their inspection and maintenance. How Do Septic Systems Work? Septic systems are more than just holding tanks. They provide provide treatment of all the water used in your home or business, protecting groundwater, springs, and surface waters. The septic tank provide...
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HOW TO PREVENT DRINKING WATER CONTAMINATION

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  Protecting Water Systems from Cross-Connections What is a Cross-Connection? A cross-connection is any connection between potable (drinking) water and non-potable water.  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) defines a cross connection as " any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable (i.e., drinking) water system and any source or system containing nonpotable water or other subs tances. " FDEP requires all water utilities to have a  Cross Connection Control Program  to prevent contamination of the drinking water distribution system with any type of non-potable substances.  The program must include requirements for backflow protection where possible cross-connections could happen. How to Prevent Cross-Connections Preventing Cross-Connections in the Water Distribution Pipelines FDEP rules require all water distribution piping to be physically separated by at least 3 feet from all other pipeline...
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FLORIDA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS - 100 YEARS OF WATER

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  Looking at Water from a Century Ago to the Next 100 Years Last week I attended a seminar by the Young Professionals of the American Water Works Association , Florida Section-- A Century of Water: Lessons from the Past, Vision for the Next 100 Years . The sessions were not only interesting, but thought provoking, so I wanted to recap and share some of the main points I believe are important. 100 Years of Hialeah and the Future of Water Virginia Walsh, P.G., Ph.D., Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department The presentation started with a history the Hialeah Water Treatment Plant that was placed in service in 1924 and the wells that were permitted to supply the water. This water plant is still active and looks as beautiful today.  From there, Ms. Walsh reviewed the various permits and modifications for the Hialeah water system over the years.  Permits for water treatment systems are based on a number of factors, which include water sources , treatment methods , water usage an...
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