The state fined Pluris water company after tests found high levels of a chemical byproduct in the water for the Wedgefield community.

  • Tests show high levels of TTHM in water from some Wedgefield homes
  • State fined Pluris $1,200 and required them to fix the problem
  • Wedgefield residents want Orange County to buy the company out

But the state also wants to assure residents that the water poses no immediate health issue, even as residents call for Orange County to take over water services.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection fined Pluris, the private company that handles the Wedgefield community’s water, more than $1,200 for low chlorine residual levels.

A series of tests done by both Orange County and Pluris itself found high levels of TTHM in the water.

Wedgefield residents have complained about quality and cost concerns for years. One by one, Wedgefield neighbors took to the podium to reiterate their concerns during Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners Meeting.

“I’m 13 years into my life sentence as a Pluris customer,” said Melissa Lasser.

“I am truly concerned with the health and well-being of all of the residents, and myself,” said Alta Deevers.

Once test results reached the state, the FDEP stepped in, forcing Pluris to put together a corrective action plan. In it, Pluris officials said they met with civil engineers and installed new conductivity meters, among other steps.

Pluris said some problematic levels stem from construction of the new K-8 Wedgefield school.

Still, neighbors aren’t reassured.

“They just have the concerns: will the water be safe or not?” said Commissioner Ted Edwards, who represents Wedgefield residents.

Edwards shared some of the county’s research into solving the issue Wednesday. He agrees the cost is a problem, but so is connecting Orange County Utilities to Wedgefield.

“They’re too far from Orange County to connect to Orange County water,” Edwards said.

Buying Pluris outright is also problematic. Orange County research concluded the final cost would range between $11 million and $21 million. That cost would be passed onto 1,600 Wedgefield homes, per the “retrofit policy.”

“Pluris has said they’re a private utility, they’re not for sale,” added Commissioner Edwards.

The FDEP said Pluris has since paid the fine and fixed the problem.

Neighbors still want action, hoping their complaints to local commissioners will affect change on the state level as well.

“I ask you to help force the acquisition of Pluris. Do not allow us to become a future Flint, Michigan,” said Wedgefield neighbor Pam Dimarzio.

Residential test results

Water test results from some Wedgefield homes showed TTHM levels well above the federally-mandated limit of 80 parts per billion. The state says, however, there is no immediate health issue. The Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection says the limits are calculated based on a lifetime of exposure. "A person would need to drink two liters of water in excess of the standard [limit] for 70 years before having any increased chance of adverse health effect," according to the FDEP FAQ.

Wedgefield Testing

Total Trihalomethanes (initial)

Total Trihalomethanes (after 20 min of flushing)

Home 1

159.13 ug/L

160.01 ug/L

Home 2

132.55 ug/L

123.18 ug/L

Home 3

134.43 ug/L

129.75 ug/L

Home 4

142.81 ug/L

131.85 ug/L

Home 5

116.38 ug/L

127.14 ug/L

Home 6

195.43 ug/L

67.47 ug/L

Home 7

116.34 ug/L

96.31 ug/L

Home 8

155.12 ug/L

126.19 ug/L

Home 9

105.04 ug/L

164.01 ug/L

Home 10

199.73 ug/L

109.14 ug/L

Home 11

152.14 ug/L

145.79 ug/L

Home 12

77.31 ug/L

70.46 ug/L

Home 13

103.24 ug/L

138.57 ug/L (118.57 ug/L third test)

Home 14

127.22 ug/L

165.70 ug/L