Sebring Water ; Sewer System

What it means: E. coli is a fecal indicator bacterium. Its presence in treated water is an acute health violation, meaning the system must notify customers within 24 hours. Detection requires immediate corrective action — typically a boil water advisory, investigation of contamination source, and system flushing.

Health effects: Most E. coli strains cause diarrheal illness. Some strains (e.g., O157:H7) produce toxins causing severe bloody diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS — a form of kidney failure), and death — especially in children under 5 and the elderly. Even non-pathogenic strains in drinking water indicate that disease-causing organisms may also be present.

Limit: Zero (one confirmed positive sample = acute MCL violation)

What it means: The 2013 RTCR (effective 2016) replaced the original TCR. It triggers automatic E. coli testing whenever total coliform is found. A single E. coli-positive sample is an acute MCL violation. It also requires systems exceeding 5% total coliform-positive samples to conduct a formal assessment and correct any deficiencies, helping prevent contamination before it escalates.

Health effects: Total coliform bacteria indicate that the disinfection barrier has been breached or fecal contamination is entering the system. E. coli specifically indicates fecal contamination and the possible presence of disease-causing pathogens (norovirus, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter). Illness can be severe in elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.

Limit: Zero E. coli; ≤5% of monthly samples total coliform-positive

What it means: TTHMs are four compounds — chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform — formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. They are among the most common disinfection byproducts and form more readily in surface water systems with high organic loads.

Health effects: Long-term exposure is associated with increased bladder cancer risk. Some studies link high TTHM exposure to adverse reproductive outcomes. Bromodichloromethane is classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb) locational running annual average (LRAA)

What it means: HAA5 are five haloacetic acids formed when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. Higher levels occur with more organic-rich source water or when water sits longer in distribution pipes. The violation indicates the locational running annual average exceeded the MCL.

Health effects: Dichloroacetic acid is a probable human carcinogen (Group B2). Long-term exposure to trichloroacetic acid may also increase cancer risk. Animal studies show liver, kidney, and reproductive effects at high doses.

Limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb) locational running annual average (LRAA)