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1. Would installing a water treatment device in my home give me cleaner water?

Not necessarily. In fact, many point-of-use water treatment devices can add higher concentrations of sodium to your water. However, if you decide to install one, be aware of operational, maintenance and replacement requirements should be followed to ensure that your water treatment device performs as represented by the company selling the device. Also, it may be helpful for you to know that it is unlawful for any person who solicits the sale, rental, lease, or installation of any water treatment device to make false or misleading statements or claims regarding contamination problems in tap water.

2. Is bottled water better for me than tap water?

Again, not necessarily. Depending on the water source, bottled water is not tested as frequently as tap water for regulated contaminants as set forth by the state and federal governments. In Florida, bottled water is regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If you choose to drink a particular brand of bottled water regularly, we suggest you contact the company and request information on the frequency of water quality testing, together with a list of all contaminants tested and the amount at which they are detected.

3. Who is responsible for Water and Sewer Laterals?

The City of Clermont will occasionally receive calls asking where the line of responsibility is drawn in terms of repairs to water service laterals and sewer service laterals. We have put together a diagram to help should the question ever arise for you. As always, feel free to contact the Clermont Environmental Services Department if we could be of any further assistance. We can be reached at 352-241-0178 or Email Environmental Services

4. Is Service Lateral Maintenance is a Homeowner's Responsibility?

Service laterals are the pipes that run through your yard to connect water and sewer services provided by the City of Clermont to the plumbing in your home. Just as you own and maintain the landscaping, driveway, and block wall on your property, you also own and are responsible for maintaining certain portions of the water and sewer service laterals that run through your property.

Your responsibility for your property's water service line begins at the point where it connects to the City-owned water meter; this point is called your water service connection. Your responsibility for your sewer service lateral begins at the point where it connects to the City's sewer main in the street; this point is called your sewer service connection.

If you experience a water leak, blocked pipe or pipe break at any point on your side of your water or sewer service connection, you are responsible for repairs and for all associated costs. If the leak, blockage or break occurs on the City's side of the water or sewer service connection, the City is responsible for repairs.

5. What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?

Outside many of your homes, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) regulates water pressure to safeguard your internal plumbing. Fitted to the water service line, the PRV regulates incoming water so that even if the supply pressure fluctuates, you only feel a constant flow of water at a functional pressure.

Building codes require PRVs for structures with water pressure at 80 psi and above. This PRV is owned and maintained by the homeowner.

6. What can my water utility do about terrorism?

Water utilities throughout the country have been on a heightened state of alert for potential threats to drinking water since the attacks on 9-11 in 2001. A few of the precautions taken include aggressively monitoring for changes in water quality, limiting access to drinking water facilities, updating antivirus software to computer systems, and training personnel to respond to emergency situations. All Community Water Systems have recently prepared emergency response plans that address such attacks as well as hurricane, fire, drought, and loss of power events. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health have been actively involved in assisting water utilities in tightening their security, receiving anti-terrorism training, and obtaining updated information released by water organizations, the EPA and the FBI. To report any suspicious behavior, call the Clermont Police Department at 352-394-5588 or dial 911.

7. Who is responsible for Water and Sewer Laterals?

The City of Clermont will occasionally receive calls asking where the line of responsibility is drawn in terms of repairs to water service laterals and sewer service laterals. We have put together a diagram to help should the question ever arise for you. As always, feel free to contact the Clermont Environmental Services Department if we could be of any further assistance. We can be reached at 352-241-0178 or Email Environmental Services