From
Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities
July/August 2003
Aquifer Recharge Project:
Thayer Canal Weir
When rainfall hits the land surface, it either soaks in the ground or is transported away by ditches or canals. Water that soaks into the ground is referred to as “aquifer recharge”. This means that water travels through the soil, deeper and deeper until it reaches our water supply, the aquifer. So, the more water we can allow to soak into the ground, the more we replenish our water supply. “Thayer Canal Weir” is one of the first large-scale aquifer recharge projects in the county. It consists of a small “dam” or “weir” placed in the canal. This backs water up over hundreds of acres and allows for the recharge effect to take place, rather than draining it out through the canal. The project is located on publicly owned land, in the Tiger Bay Swamp, north of U.S. 92, and east of LPGA Blvd.
Toilet Rebate Program
Funding is still available for residents who would like to replace their old water-guzzling toilet with a new 1.6 unit. By replacing your old toilet, we will give you a $50.00 credit on your water bill. Call 943-7027 ext 2611 for details.
|
Water
Wise Plant of the Month *** ALL PARTS OF THIS PLANT ARE POISONOUS*** Prefers full sun and needs little to no water once established. Can reach a maximum height of 6-10 feet and 5 foot wide if not pruned for shape. Comes in a variety of colors. Flowers are 2 –3 inches across and cluster at the end of the branch. |
Watering Restrictions Still in Effect
Even though we have experienced a substantial amount of rainfall in the last few weeks, the watering restrictions still apply. Call 736-5998, 423-3359 or 239-7890 for your watering days and times.
|
Make a Water Scope! How would you like to get a closer look at the creatures in a pool, pond or stream near you? You will see why it is so important not only to keep our water safe but also conserve our water so plants and creatures can live on for hundreds of years to come.
1 Have an adult help you cut the bottom off of a milk or juice jug. To make viewing easier, you can also cut off some of the top to widen the opening. Try not to cut the handle, so you can hold your scope. 2 Cover the bottom opening with plastic wrap and hold it in place with a rubber band. Trim off any extra wrap and tape around the band. You want the window to be tight, so the water won't seep in. 3 Take your scope to a pond or shallow stream and put it into the water with the plastic-wrap end down. You should be able to see under the water clearly. It's best if you keep your scope in one place and don't move around too much. That way, the animals won't be afraid to come close, and you'll get a good look at them. Make a list of all the things you saw. |
Just A Bit of Trivia: How many times a day is the toilet flushed in your house? If everyone averaged only four or five flushes per day, it would amount to more than 5 billion gallons of water down the drain. That’s enough to supply drinking water to the entire population of Chicago for more than 6 years.
Security Measures at Our Treatment Plants
We live in a new era since the national tragedy of September 11, 2001. Volusia County Utilities has become even more vigilant and responsive about the security of our water supply systems to protect the public health.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires water systems to create a Vulnerability Assessment (VA).
“A Vulnerability Assessment is a systematic analysis used to develop a security protection plan for water supply, treatment, and distribution systems. It identifies a system’s vulnerabilities and provides a prioritized plan for security upgrades, modifications of operational procedures, and/or policy changes to mitigate identified risks to critical assets. The VA also provides a basis for comparing the cost of protection against the risk posed.”
We are investing time and money to ensure that our customers feel safe about their water source. We need our customers help also. Call 386-822-6465 to report any suspicious activities around treatment facilities
We at the County of Volusia Utilities Operations work hard to provide top quality water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future.
You Might Ask
Q. I received a 2003 Annual Drinking Water Report. What key information should I look for?
A. Each report contains a table of contaminants found in the local drinking water. For each one, the table usually shows the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) and the amount found in your drinking water. If you have any questions, please call 822-6465.
back to water resources and utilities
Comments or questions?
E-mail the
Volusia County, Florida.