ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates found records that show a water company tested high for levels of toxic chemicals four times in 2 1/2 years.
Last week, two residents of a Wedgefield home had chemicals in their faucet water, which tested above the federal limits.
The state has cited water company Pluris Holdings for similar violations in the past.
DOCUMENT: Pluris water data 2006 - 2016
County leaders took steps last month to have testing done in Wedgefield after neighbors had complained for years.
“We want safe and reliable and affordable water. That's what we deserve,” said resident Natalie Harris.
Harris told 9 Investigates that results found toxic chemicals in her faucet water that were double the federal limit.
Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals that come from not using the correct amount of chlorine to kill germs in water. The federal limit is 80 parts per billion, and 9 Investigates found that Harris' water tested at 160 parts per billion.
Records show that in 2007, Pluris water provided to Wedgefield tested high for THM, and again three times in 2009 at 105, 120 and 129 parts per billion.
District 5 Commissioner Ted Edwards said he's been aware of Wedgefield residents' concerns, but he has not received many complaints.
In a statement, Edwards said the county is testing to "verify whether the water meets state guidelines," and there are "no issues with lead or bacterial matter."
Further testing is being done to determine if the levels of THM meet state guidelines, and if not, whether the source is the water company or piping in individual homes.
In a statement, Commissioner Edwards said: "Commissioner Edwards has requested Orange County Environmental Protection Department to do sample water testing of Wedgefield homeowners to verify whether the water meets state guidelines. Preliminary test results indicates there are no issues with lead or bacterial matter being in the water. Further testing is being done to determine if THMs, which are a byproduct from chlorine meets state guidelines, and, if not, whether the source of origin is the water company or the piping in individual homes.”
Cox Media Group
