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SCU Water Information Portal
Welcome to the St. Cloud Utilities Customer Service Water Information Portal. The purpose of this page is to keep residents and customers of the Utility System informed on a variety of topics of concern including water quality and discoloration, updates on the utility projects and ongoing efforts to address water concerns.
Water Quality
The City of St. Cloud Environmental Utility department takes drinking water samples regularly for testing by a third-party laboratory to ensure that the drinking water meets all regulatory requirements and is safe to drink. The results of these samples are reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) which is responsible to the Environmental Protection Agency for administration of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act for the State of Florida. The FDEP requires that all municipal water systems sample and test for a number of Organic and Inorganic Chemicals, Radionuclides, Disinfection By-products, and Bacteria. In all, the City tests for 80 different compounds, disinfection by-products 4 times a year, 70 bacteriological samples every month. To date the City water system is incompliance with all water quality parameters.
To learn more about the City of St. Cloud’s drinking water quality, recent testing results, and the 2018 Water Quality Report, click here.
Water Treatment Plant No. 4 Polishing Filter Replacement Project
The City of St. Cloud’s Water Treatment Plant No. 4 utilizes two Polishing Filters to catch and remove resin and other fine particles (the main cause of water discoloration) after primary treatment. The original Polishing Filters structurally failed and lost operational capacity. In 2018, the City implemented a project to replace the failed polishers. The project’s main objective is to replace the two existing aluminum Polishing Filters with stainless steel Polishing Filters. The project also includes replacement of valves and new instrumentation. Completion of the project is anticipated soon.
*UPDATE as of January 14, 2020
In an effort to resolve ongoing issues associated with the City’s water filtering system, the Utilities Department will soon be implementing an innovative new technology with the capability to effectively and efficiently clean city water lines.
Known as “ice pigging,” the process injects an ice slurry into a water line through a city fire hydrant, pushing the slurry through the line only to exit through a different fire hydrant. This process has the potential to fully clean a water line. St. Cloud learned about and investigated ice pigging after it was used successfully by neighboring Orange County Utilities.
This new step comes after installation last December of two new polishing filters at Water Treatment Plan No. 4. The filters went online in December and are working properly and creating clean water. Turbidity, clarity of the finished water, has improved significantly with the new polishers. Meanwhile, filter optimization and backwashing sequences continue as part of the process. However, resin particles that were lost to the system from the previous failed polishers remain in the system and continue to impact residents in their homes.
Environmental Utilities has completed two cycles of unidirectional flushing through the areas most impacted by discolored water and sediment. While this process has shown positive results in removing large amounts of sediment and discoloration, it has not significantly improved the overall water quality in the affected areas. The City is evaluating the unidirectional flushing process to improve outcomes from this process.
The City Council approved $407,000 for the ice pigging initiative with monies in the utilities budget; residents will see no rate changes as a result of this issue. The ice pigging, which is expected to begin in early February and take about five weeks, will target the areas affected most by this issue, which equates to about 27.5 miles of water line.
As stated earlier, the City is keenly aware of the inconvenience and unpleasant nature of this issue. Our intent is that this high technology process will substantially improve the water quality and significantly reduce the incidents of discolored water. .
Unidirectional Flushing Program
The City’s Unidirectional Flushing Program is our main tool in tackling the water discoloration and sedimentation issue in the distribution system. Unidirectional flushing is different from conventional flushing in many ways. It involves manipulating valves to divert flow and create high scouring velocities in the pipes to flush out the accumulated resin sediment. The Unidirectional flushing program is progressing in a systematic manner through the portions of the water distribution system most impacted by the resin sediment in the water. The City anticipates that it will take several rounds of the Unidirectional flushing to clear the distribution system in these most affected areas.
The City of St. Cloud is committed to providing clean drinking water to all of its users. The City is also committed to being as transparent as possible with any challenges that the Utility faces. We will keep this web page updated weekly to provide relevant information about the water quality and project progress. For any additional questions, please reach out to the Utility’s Customer Service Center at 407-957-7344 or customerservice@stcloud.org.
Water Quality
The mission of the City of St. Cloud Environmental Utilities Department is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We are proud to state that our drinking water meets all federal and state requirements.
On an average day the City’s Water Treatment Plants produce almost 7 Million gallons of drinking water. The water is drawn from an underground fresh water reservoir known as the Floridan Aquifer. Water from the aquifer is pumped from 6 wells and is treated by a MIEX system and chlorinated for disinfection purposes. The drinking water is used not only for consumption, but also for irrigation and fire protection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations, which limit the amount of certain compounds in water provided by public water systems to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Drinking water, including bottled water, may contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. However any mineral or chemical compound which could pose a health risk is required to be at or below the level established by state and federal regulators which are protective of public health. More information about contaminates and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Below is a summary of the classifications of parameters which are regulated by the Florida Department o f Environmental Protection (FDEP) and EPA:
Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products
Microbial contaminants such as bacteria, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and viruses, are often found in source water and can cause gastrointestinal illness. Illnesses include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and other health risks. In many cases, water needs to be disinfected to inactivate (or kill) these microbial pathogens. However, disinfectants can react with naturally-occurring materials in the water to form byproducts including:
- Trihalomethanes (THM)
- Haloacetic acids (HAA)
- Chlorite
- Bromate
Long term exposure to these disinfection by-products can increase the risk of health effects.
EPA has developed the Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Rules to limit exposure to these disinfectant byproducts.
The City’s most recent Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products results:
Contaminant and unit of Measurement | Dates of Sampling (12 month period) | MCL Violation (Y/N) | Annual Average | Regulatory Limit | Likely Source of Contamination |
Halocetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb) | 11/18 - 08/19 | N | 47.8 | 60 | By-Product of drinking water disinfection |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (ppb) | 11/18 - 08/19 | N | 55.1 | 80 | By-Product of drinking water disinfection |
Chlorine Residual (mg/L) | Daily | N | 2.01 (August) | 4 | Water additive to control microbes |
Inorganic Contaminants
Inorganic Contaminants are elements or compounds found in water supplies and may be natural in the geology or caused by activities of man through mining, industry, or agriculture. It is common to have trace amounts of many Inorganic Contaminants in water supplies. Amounts above the Maximum Contaminant Levels may cause a variety of health effects body depending upon the inorganic contaminant and level of exposure.
The City’s most recent Inorganic Contaminant results:
Contaminant and unit of Measurement | Dates of Sampling | MCL Violation (Y/N) | Level Detected | Regulatory Limit | Likely Source of Contamination |
Barium (ppm) | 2/17 | N | 0.0182 | 2 | Discharge of drilling wastes; |
Fluoride (ppm) | 2/18 | N | 0.894 | 4 | Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Water additive which promotes strong teeth when at optimum level of 0.7 ppm. |
Sodium (ppm) | 2/17 | N | 53.5 | 160 | Salt water intrusion, leaching from soil |
Nickel (ppm) | 2/17 | N | .0055 | 0.1 | Leaching from metals in contact with drinking water, such as pipes and fittings. Also may be present in |
Nitrate (ppm) | 2/17 | N | 0.456 | 10 | Occurs naturally in surface and groundwater at a level that does not generally cause health problems. |
Contaminant and unit of Measurement | Dates of Sampling | Action Level Exceeded on 10% of Samples? (Y/N) | 90th Percentile | No. of Sampling Sites Exceeding AL | MCL | Likely Source of Contamination |
Copper - Tap Water (ppm) | 08/17 | N | 0.304 | 1 of 30 | 1.3 | Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives |
Lead - Tap Water (ppb) | 08/17 | N | 3.7 | 0 of 30 | 15 | Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits |
References:
Environmental Protection Agency. (2019) National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations
South Dakota DENR. (2019) Inorganic Contaminants. Retrieved from https://denr.sd.gov/des/dw/IOCs.aspx
WATER TREATMENT PLANT NO. 4 POLISHING FILTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT
There are two Polishing Filters at Water Treatment Plant No. 4. They are designed to remove and trap resin (small particles from the breakdown of the acrylic resin beads) prior to finished water chlorination and fluoridation. The filters had been in-service for 9-years. In 2016, the operations staff noticed that vacuum conditions were occurring in the Polishing Filters during backwash events. To trouble shoot the problem, the City operations staff replaced all of the air release valves that were located on the inlet feed and effluent discharge on the filters, and performed a number of weld repairs to the upper polisher roof seams and intermediate floor plates that have been damaged. In late 2017,the polishing filters failed again and the City made the decision to replace the filters.
The City contracted with Jones Edmunds, an engineering firm, to conduct a hydraulic evaluation of the polishers, identify design modifications to prevent vacuum conditions from occurring, provide corrected actions to repair structural damage of the polishers and present replacement options. The design was completed, the project was bid out, and the project began in October 2018.
In July of 2019, the new stainless steel Polishing Filters were delivered to Water Treatment Plant No. 4. The new Polishing Filters were designed to fit in the same footprint as the past filters and utilize the same piping connections. Advanced 3D surveying techniques were used by the contractor, Prime Construction, to ensure that everything matched up correctly.
Once installed, the Polishing Filters under went pressure and bacteriological testing. During the pressure tests, issues were discovered with some gate valves and the actuator controls. Final performance testing is on hold until the actuators controls are completely operational. The City anticipates the controls to be repaired, final performance testing, and the Polishing Filters operational before the end of November 2019.
UNIDIRECTIONAL FLUSHING PROGRAM
The City’s Unidirectional Flushing Program is our main tool in tackling the water discoloration and sedimentation issue in the distribution system. Unidirectional flushing is different from conventional flushing in many ways. It involves manipulating valves to divert flow and create high scouring velocities in the pipes to flush out the accumulated resin sediment. The Unidirectional flushing program is progressing in a systematic manner through the portions of the water distribution system most impacted by the resin sediment. The City anticipates that it will take several rounds of the Unidirectional flushing to clear the distribution system in these most affected areas.
The Unidirectional Flushing Program is intended to be City-Wide, to flush every water main that is larger than 10”in diameter. The flushing program was designed as 10 different zones to be flushed sequentially. The program starts in the South-West portion of the Utility Boundary area near Water Treatment Plant No. 4 and progresses North and East.
Currently, the City is only concentrating on Unidirectional Flushing within the zones experiencing frequent occurrences of water discoloration. Once the first round of unidirectional flushing is complete, the City will immediately begin a second round of the program and flush additional areas within each zone where there is evidence of discolored water
CURRENT UNIDIRECTIONAL FLUSHING SCHEDULE
From January 16-27 flushing will be focused in Canoe Creek Lakes.
Immediately following flushing, Environmental Utilities will be collecting water samples daily to evaluate the results of the flushing.
1/16/20 –Zone 1, sequences 1 and 2
1/17/20 –Zone 1, sequences 3 and 4.
1/21/20 – Supplemental flushing of Canoe Creek Lakes
1/22/20 – Supplemental flushing of Canoe Creek Lakes
1/23/20 – Supplemental flushing of Canoe Creek Lakes
1/24/20 – Supplemental flushing of Canoe Creek Lakes
1/27/20 – Supplemental flushing of Canoe Creek Lakes
FIND YOUR ZONE
ZONE 1:
Keystone Pointe · Christy Lane/Michele Lane · Villagio ·Oak Ridge Place· Canoe Creek Lakes· Teka Village · Sawyer Estates · Woodland Terrace · Crestwood · Inglewood Meadows· Pine Chase Estates · Cypress Point · Canoe Creek Villas · The Estates –Stevens Plantation · Magnolia Green· Verandah Lake · The Grove · Sanctuary · Sweetwater Creek
ZONE 2:
Nachez Trace · Pine Lake Estates · Anthem Park · St. Cloud Villas · Heather Hall Neptune Elementary· Magnolia Glen · St. Cloud Regional Medical Center
ZONE 3:
Royal Gardens of St. Cloud - Assisted Living Facility • Palamar Oaks Village• St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church • Sugar Mill park • Lakeview Elementary School •Old Sugar Mill Lane • Neptune Middle School •Battaglia • Neptune Bay Apartments •Mickey Johnson Court & City of Life Church • St. Cloud Village Apartments •Pemberly Pines • Personal Mini Storage •Beehive Circle Drive • Summer Cove Apartments • Businesses along US192 from Big Sky Boulevardto Brown Chapel Road
ZONE 4:
Sweetwater Creek • Camelot • Nick’s Plaza • Canoe Creek Estates • Canoe Creek Woods • Southern Pines • Indian Lakes • Chris Court • Villas Del Castillo
Flushing program questions and answers
What is hydrant flushing?
Hydrant Flushing refers to flowing water at high volume for maintenance purposes. Periodically you will see Environmental Utilities personnel flushing hydrants in your area. This is done to remove sediment from pipes in order to maintain clarity and quality in the distribution piping.
Why is it important to routinely flush the water system?
The City flushes the water distribution system to improve water quality by removing sediment and scale that builds up over time.
When does flushing normally occur?
Environmental Utilities personnel flush weekly throughout the year so that the water does not stagnate in less active parts of the water distribution system.
Is Environmental Utilities the only ones that flush the lines?
No, Fire Departments are required to flush hydrants when they are testing hydrants to make sure adequate flow and pressure is available.
Will I be told when the City is flushing my area?
The City will provide notification of the area in which flushing will occur in advance through posting signs, email notifications, online, and automated calls. We ask for everyone’s patience during flushing and that you do what you can not to be adversely affected by the water quality that may result during this time. To find out when flushing is scheduled to happen in your area, please visit www.stcloud.org/water.
How will this affect my water?
During the flushing process, water customers may experience fluctuations in pressure and discolored water. Although the water does not pose a health risk, it is recommended to avoid drinking the water until it runs clear. It is ok to use the water for showering, bathing, and toilet flushing. Do not use for laundry.
What should I do if my water is discolored after flushing?
If you notice discolored water after flushing, turn on several cold water taps in your home to allow new water to work its way into your pipes. Let the water run for several minutes until the discoloration is gone and the water runs clear. In some infrequent cases, customers may experience slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the water quality or taste. Do not do laundry until completely clear. If discoloration continues, please contact customer service at 407-957-7344.
What should I do if my water pressure is still low or I have no pressure?
If you are experiencing low pressure at only one or two taps, remove and make sure the aerator or screen is clean. If you have low water pressure in your entire house, the meter or service line could be plugged. Please call customer service at 407-957-7344.
Is water main flushing a waste of water?
No. Flushing is an essential part of water system maintenance. It is the most effective way to keep our drinking water safe, clean, and pleasant tasting. Our technicians keep very accurate records of the amount of water that is being flushed, so this water is accounted for and tracked.
Where can I find more information on the status of the City’s water system?
For additional information on the City’s water system, please visit www.stcloud.org/water.
What if I have other questions or concerns about my water?
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service department at 407-957-7344.