DEP’S Recent Water Testing Results Show No Indication of Agricultural or Industrial Contamination in the Acreage Community

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the results of its most recent water sampling in The Acreage community. Conclusions from the testing showed no indication of agricultural or industrial contamination in the water and water quality is considered to be good. The testing, which took place February 12-14, 2010, included collecting samples from 11 homes where cases of pediatric brain cancer have been identified as well as 12 other nearby homes to serve as a control group. DEP also collected treated water from the Seminole Improvement District water treatment plant and four homes as a follow-up to the first round of sampling.

“We are pleased to let The Acreage community know that this latest round of water sampling once again shows no indication of contamination,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “While this round of water sampling is concluded, we remain committed to the community and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) as it continues its ongoing investigation.”

In the latest round of testing, DEP gathered samples of untreated ground water from drinking water wells and samples from tap water that passed through a water treatment system or water softener. The samples were tested for more than 200 individual chemicals, most of which fall into one of the following groups: petroleum, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, wood treating chemicals, metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and radionuclides.

Prior to today’s announcement, DEP contacted the residents of each of the homes where testing occurred to provide them information about the results. In addition, DEP mailed the results to homeowners and offered to meet with each resident individually to explain the findings in person.

“As DEP conducts its testing and gathers the results, it is important that we effectively communicate with the residents to ensure that the information provided to them is accurate, understandable and helpful,” added Secretary Sole.

Homeowners can help protect their families by properly maintaining private wells and water treatment systems through a few simple steps. By reviewing DOH's fact sheet posted to the Palm Beach County Health Department's Web site, homeowners can learn about:
• radium,
• steps for proper well maintenance, 
• approved water treatment systems.

To provide even more information about the community, DEP also conducted soil sampling in the community in early March. Having both water and soil samples will allow DEP to evaluate environmental data from homes where cases of pediatric brain cancer exist, as well as additional nearby homes which are serving as a control group. Results for the March soil sampling should be finalized within the next three weeks.

For more information about DEP’s drinking water sampling within The Acreage visit www.dep.state.fl.us/southeast/acreage/default.htm.

DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information, visit www.doh.state.fl.us.