Here’s what’s important to know-
Sanford's drinking water is safe to drink, based on state and federal guidelines.
The safety and security of our customers is our top priority, and the City of Sanford (City) is committed to providing safe drinking water to our customers. Recent media coverage has highlighted an ongoing issue regarding a contaminant in water samples – the same issue we have previously informed the public about. We remain committed to transparency – keeping our public fully informed.
Water Quality and Information About 1,4-Dioxane
October 21, 2024, update
The City of Sanford has taken the next step to insure the future safety of our drinking water by filing suit against General Dynamics Corporation, Siemens, Corporation, and Moni Holdings LLC as the potentially responsible parties for the 1,4 dioxane contamination of the City’s water supply. The citizens and customers of Sanford’s utility system are entitled to pure drinking water, and this is made clear in the City’s complaint. The City has consistently said that we should hold those responsible for the contamination accountable for the costs of cleanup and treatment and this action attempts to do that.
On August 26, 2024, the City Commission authorized litigation against the three parties and engaged DSK Law with former State Senator David Simmons as the lead attorney. Timing of the litigation was determined in part by the most recent data collected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection which supports the City’s position that the parties’ former industrial facility on Rinehart Road is the source of the contamination.
On October 14, 2024, Sen. Simmons updated the City Commission on the eight-count complaint that DSK Law had prepared. Seven counts of the complaint were filed in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in Seminole County on October 17. The City continues to work closely with the FDEP and the eighth count of the complaint requires notice to the FDEP. FDEP will have the option to take over litigation of the eighth count, join the City in the litigation, or allow the City to continue on its own.
The lawsuit seeks cleanup of the ground water, funding for treatment to remove contamination from drinking water, funding for future operations of the enhanced treatment system, and reimbursement for legal and other expenses related to the contamination. As the City works through the litigation, it also continues to work with FDEP for Federal funding of the improvements needed to remove the contamination. If there is a recovery from the lawsuit, a portion could repay any grants received through FDEP.
September 26, 2024, update
As part of the City of Sanford’s continuing effort to supply safe and high-quality water to Sanford’s citizens and customers, the City contracted with Carollo Engineers in January of 2024 to develop a water facilities plan and a preliminary design report (30 % design) as the next step toward the City receiving funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for water treatment system upgrades. The FDEP had committed to provide Sanford with adequate funding to address the 1,4 dioxane contamination issue and reserved funding for the City. One of the requirements for final approval of the funding is the approval of the preliminary design report that is scheduled to be submitted to FDEP at the end of October.
Last Week the Mayor and City Manager along with utilities staff members, the finance director, and our attorneys met virtually with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to get clarity on the next steps to secure funding. They offered the funding over a year ago, but we still have to meet state and federal requirements. We received clear guidance on what we need to do and, based on work our staff has already been doing on planning and design, we should have the next $18 million in funding fully committed by the end of the year. They have already funded $6 million, and the federal government is expected to release $25 million in FY 25 -26 funding by the end of August of next year. If our proposed litigation with those responsible for the contamination is successful, all of this money could be paid back to be used in other projects elsewhere in the state.
August 2024 update:
As part of the City of Sanford’s continuing efforts to supply safe and high-quality water to Sanford’s citizens and customers, the City contracted with Carollo Engineers in January of 2024 to develop a water facilities plan as the next step toward the City receiving funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for water treatment system upgrades. The FDEP had committed to provide Sanford with adequate funding to address the 1,4 dioxane contamination issue and reserved funding for the City. One of the requirements for final approval of the funding is the water facilities plan which was funded by the FDEP. The plan was provided to the FDEP in June.
The FDEP returned comments on the water facilities plan on August 14, asking for clarifications. This was the same day the FDEP had its quarterly meeting to review state wide water resources funding. Since Sanford’s submitted plan had not been fully approved, Sanford remained on the waiting list for the previously committed funding. The FDEP has assured the City that funding is still available to the City in this and future years. City staff and Carollo Engineers will respond to the request for additional information and continue to provide the FDEP with all needed information.
The Mayor and City Manager will meet with FDEP staff in September to further review the provision of safe water to City residents and customers, the continuing threat of 1,4 dioxane contamination in Sanford and Seminole County, and FDEP’s plan for funding the necessary improvements in Sanford.
Art Woodruff
Mayor, City of Sanford
300 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, Florida 32771-1244
O: 407-688-5008
C: 407-687-3423
We understand that residents may have concerns. Here are answers to common questions you may have.
The City is aware of the presence of contaminants (1,4-dioxane) that were likely discharged from a decommissioned industrial site (former Siemens site) in Lake Mary. The current level of contamination is low, and we are actively working to protect our water supply.
1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical used as a solvent stabilizer and is found at many sites contaminated with certain chlorinated solvents. 1,4-dioxane dissolves easily in water and has been found in groundwater throughout the United States. Its use has been discontinued. 1,4-Dioxane was used and discharged at the former Siemens site in Lake Mary.
The City regularly tests our water and adheres to strict state and federal regulations, including the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. We have taken steps to diversify water sources to ensure that trace contaminant levels remain below safe water standards.
Yes. The City’s water is in full compliance with all federal and state drinking water regulations, and is safe to drink. In 2017, the Florida Department of Health concluded that as long as levels of 1,4-dioxane levels in our water remain below 0.35 parts per billion (micrograms per liter), it is not likely to cause illness and continues to meet the FDOH’s health advisory level.
On December 2024, water quality samples were taken at the water treatment plants (WTPs) point of entry (POE) into the water distribution system (i.e. when the water exits the water treatment plant). Results showed the level of 1,4-dioxane in the City’s drinking water were 0.28 parts per billion (or micrograms per liter) at Water Plant No. 1 POE and < 0.12 parts per billion (or micrograms per liter) at Water Plant No. 2 POE.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has the power and duty to regulate all discharges of pollutants, including discharges of 1,4- dioxane into the Floridan aquifer (a major source of water supply in the state of Florida) and to impose strict liability on those who make such discharges. We continue to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to address these challenges.
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the City of Sanford has applied for and been designated to receive $60 million in federal funds to build a new water treatment facility. The City is also seeking additional funds from related sources. This new facility will supplement our existing treatment capabilities and aid in our ability to monitor and manage contaminants that can potentially enter the water supply, including PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, and other pollutants.
This contamination is indisputably due to the negligence of others, and the City has spent considerable resources to ensure that our drinking water remains within acceptable levels. Since 2013, City leaders have been at the forefront of working to hold those at fault accountable – and to ensure that they cover the cost of mitigation and cleanup efforts. We will continue to work with state and federal partners to make sure those liable are held responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
