Total Organic Carbon in Southchase Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of Total Organic Carbon in the Water Supply of Southchase Florida Homes

Total organic carbon is the catch-all term for carbon-based material dissolved in your water. It originates from things like decaying plant matter, algae, soil runoff, or tiny traces of everyday organic chemicals that end up in source water. Often it won’t produce a noticeable smell or taste at low levels, but higher concentrations can make water more difficult to treat and contribute to color, odor or an off flavor. For Southchase homeowners, measuring total organic carbon gives a good sense of overall organic loading in the household supply, especially important in our humid subtropical climate and hard groundwater conditions.

You’ll also see the term dissolved organic carbon used interchangeably, because much of what shows up in tests is dissolved rather than particulate. Even if tap water looks clear in homes around Southchase and nearby Orlando neighborhoods, these dissolved organics can react with disinfectants like chlorine and sometimes produce a stronger pool-like smell or taste. Organic material can encourage slime and biofilm buildup inside plumbing and fixtures where water sits, which is why many local homeowners opt for whole-house treatment that addresses organics before they reach every faucet and appliance.