2023 Sampling Violation Notice

 A sampling violation occurred at the Oldsmar Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant for Di(2-ethylheyl)phthalate (DEHP) in June 2023. Sampling occurred immediately upon notice of the oversight in July 2023. The facility is in full compliance and taking measures to prevent reoccurrence. 

Monitoring Violations Annual Notice

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER 

Monitoring Requirements Not Met for Oldsmar Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant

 What happened?

Our water system violated drinking water monitoring requirements over the past year. Even though this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing (did) to correct this situation.

 It is important to note that this was a sampling violation regarding the frequency of testing and the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for DEHP set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was never exceeded. The facility is currently in full compliance.

We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During June of 2023 we did not test for Di(2-ethylheyl)phthalate (DEHP) and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.

What should I do?

There is nothing you need to do at this time.

The table below lists the contaminant(s) we did not properly test for during the last year, how often we are supposed to sample for DEHP, how many samples we are supposed to take, how many samples we took, when samples should have been taken, and the date on which follow-up samples were taken.

1. Facility on reduced sampling schedule of every 3 years due to low test results.
2. Test result in June 2023 exceeded RDL prompting quarterly sampling or sampling by June 30, 2023.
3. The number of samples required to comply.

Summary of EPA limits and test results:

1. Regulatory Detection Limit (RDL) is the trigger limit that prompts quarterly sampling in lieu of reduced sampling (3-year sampling).
2. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is an enforceable compliance limit and the maximum level allowed of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.
3. Test result that triggered quarterly sampling (exceeded RDL).
4. First quarterly sample that was due by June 30, 2023.
5. Additional sample taken as a precautionary measure.
6. Routine quarterly sample

What is being done?

In response to this sampling violation, immediate corrective measures are being undertaken to rectify the issue and prevent its recurrence. These measures include:

Review and Training: We have initiated a comprehensive review of our water sampling procedures to identify any shortcomings. Employees involved in the sampling process will undergo additional training to ensure proper adherence to the established protocols.

Quality Control Checks: We have reviewed the quality control checks with the staff and the contract laboratory. We are introducing enhanced quality control checks to detect any irregularities or deviations early on. The laboratory will notify staff as soon as possible of any exceedance of a recommended detection limit (RDL) or maximum contaminant level (MCL). This will enable us to take prompt corrective action if any issues arise.

Sampling Oversight: A designated team will be assigned to oversee the entire organics sampling process, ensuring compliance with the newly strengthened protocols. This will add an additional layer of accountability to prevent similar violations.

 For more information, please contact Public Works Customer Service at 813-749-1226 or Oldsmar Public Works, 100 State Street W., Oldsmar, FL 34677.

This notice is provided by City of Oldsmar Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant. State Water System ID#:652-1417.