SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Two Central Florida lawmakers aim to set a new state standard for the maximum amount of a contaminant allowed in drinking water.
State Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, and Rep. Rachel Plakon, R-Lake Mary, filed joint bills this week aimed at controlling the level of 1,4-dioxane.
A report from the Orlando Sentinel brought the presence of the chemical in the water in parts of Seminole County, Lake Mary and Sanford to light.
1,4-dioxane is currently monitored in the water supply, but there is no established mandatory limit set. The proposed legislation would establish a maximum level of 0.35 micrograms per liter. That has long been the Health Advisory level set by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2012 and the Florida Department of Health in 2015.
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The bill would also set requirements for the amount of time water suppliers have to comply with the established state standard and include requirements to report 1,4-dioxane levels to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The department would provide financial assistance to upgrade the infrastructure necessary to meet the standard set for 1,4-dioxane. According to the bill, such assistance would include a minimum of 20% of the funding necessary.
Leaders in Seminole County say levels of 1,4-dioxane at the Markham Regional Water Treatment Plant have averaged well below the EPA’s health advisory levels. The city of Sanford says the same for its tests.
Both the county and city have information about 1,4-dioxane posted online and maintain that their water is safe to drink. No alternative source is necessary and boil water advisories have not been issued.
What is 1,4-dioxane and why is it potentially harmful?
According to the Florida Department of Health, 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant of emerging concern and is likely cancer-causing. It has been used as a stabilizer in solvents and cleaners and can be found in paints, lacquers, dyes, waxes, greases, cosmetics, detergents and other consumer products, FDOH said.
You can see what’s in your water by looking at the annual reports available online.
Seminole County provided the following statement regarding SB 1546 and HB 1533:
“This legislation was just filed a few days ago, so County staff is reviewing the proposed language to determine any potential impacts. Additionally, members of our leadership team will be meeting with bill co-sponsor Rachel Plakon next week to further discuss the legislation.”
Seminole County
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