Pinellas County BOCC recognizes importance of protecting water quality

In recognition of Water Quality Month, the Pinellas County Commission, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, presented staff with a proclamation officially recognizing Water Quality Month in the county.

Pinellas County departments work year-round to continue improving the quality of the water within local waterways and flowing out of the faucets across the county. Efforts to improve water quality include staff from Public Works and Utilities, with a focus on maintenance, watershed education and management, scientific research studies and water monitoring.

“Water is one of our most valuable resources. Maintaining and improving water quality is essential to protect public health, as well as our fisheries, wildlife and watersheds,” stated Commission Chairman Charlie Justice. “Pinellas County’s Environmental Management division, in chorus with our Utilities and Solid Waste departments, continually works to ensure that our citizens have clean, safe water every day.”

Examples of work that Pinellas County Utilities does to continually monitor and improve water quality include:

• Regular testing to monitor drinking water for contaminants such as lead and copper
• Ongoing maintenance program to enhance and improve existing infrastructure
• Twice yearly chlorine maintenance to enhance water quality
• Partnerships with local colleges and universities to conduct research studies
• Two-year partnership study with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Operation of two technologically-advanced water reclamation facilities

Pinellas County’s Public Works department, through the Environmental Management division, monitors the water quality and aquatic health of local freshwater and marine environments. This division is responsible for implementing watershed protection programs to address impaired waters, as well as implementing regulations for pollution prevention and aquatic habitat protection.

Pinellas County Solid Waste is also an integral part of the county’s commitment to water quality, completing tasks such as:

• Testing to monitor ground water for contaminants
• On-site treatment and reuse of water
• Maintenance of a slurry wall to maintain groundwater on site