Potable Water

The City of Dunedin Water Division and Utility Billing Division has implemented Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). We are also deploying EyeOnWater (EOW), a cellular reading service that offers direct access to your water usage data and tools for managing consumption. EyeOnWater provides notifications for leaks and insights into usage trends via email, text messages, or the mobile app. We are committed to enhancing service for all users and appreciate your patience during this implementation phase.

Your AMR and cellular devices are being installed in your current potable and reclaimed meter boxes at no extra charge. You will only be billed for the water you use. Bills will not be estimated. For questions or help setting up your EyeOnWater account, please contact our office directly at 727-298-3024.

What are the benefits to Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)?

• Faster meter reading times
• Improved leak detention (door tags left if leaks are found)
• Detailed Water Use Reports available to customers
• Meter upgrades and replacements completed during the AMR installation

Who should I call if I would like information about the Automated Meter Reading program?

You can call the Water Division at 727-298-3100 for additional AMR information.  For billing questions, please contact the Utility Billing Division at 727-298-3024.

Can Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) detect leaks in my plumbing system?

Through the AMR device, we will be alerted of any meter that runs continuously for 24 hours.  This may indicate a leak in your system, the meter reader will leave a door tag if this occurs.

How accurate is the Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?

These state-of-the-art water meters feature electronic digital registers that verify the meter reading before it is transmitted. This method is considered more accurate than visual meter readings.

How do I know you have my Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and not someone else's?

Each transmitter is assigned a unique transmission code, allowing us to differentiate between individual customers.

Will the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology interfere with electronic systems or devices in my home?

No, it will not interfere with electronic components in your home.

How does Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) work?

A small radio transmitter connected to your water meter sends signals of your water usage. A meter reader drives by your home, and the reading is transmitted to a computer in the vehicle. Later, this information is processed at the Utility Billing office. The radio transmitter typically remains in a low-energy state, waking up to transmit signals when the meter reader passes by.

In accordance with the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Florida Administrative Code Section 62-550, the City of Dunedin has installed BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES on the water service lines to protect the public water system. This notice is to advise you of a possible situation that you may experience.     

When a Backflow Prevention Device is not present, the public water mains provide a "cushion" that absorbs pressure occurring in a home's plumbing system from thermal expansion. This expansion happens when water is heated in the hot water heater. The Backflow Prevention Device is designed to stop water from backflowing into the City main. Therefore, the expanding water has no place to go, remaining in the hot water heater and building up pressure.

In normal hot water heater operation, the thermal expansion would cause the Temperature & Pressure Control Valve (TP) to release water when the pressure exceeds 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). This discharge indicates the mechanism is working properly. Discharge will occur in the immediate area surrounding your hot water heater if a discharge line does not extend from the pressure control valve on your hot water heater through an outside wall.

The following devices can be installed by a plumber to prevent this:

1. Ball cock relief valve – Watts governor 80 or equal
2. Temperature and pressure relief valve installed on an out side spigot, set at 90 P.S.I. – Watts model 530 or equal
3. Thermal expansion tank

If you have any questions or if your plumber has questions, please call the City of Dunedin Water Division (298-3100).

Water Cross-Connections

A "cross connection," as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, is any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. Specifically, it is a physical link that allows potential backflow incidents. This includes any permanent or temporary piping arrangements that can contaminate your drinking water if backflow occurs.

In the event of a backflow or backsiphonage incident, such cross connections pose a hazard to building occupants and can jeopardize the cleanliness and safety of the public water system.

Examples of Hazardous Cross-Connections

Cross-connections happen when a hose, pipe or a basin containing a substance other than drinking water is connected to a potable water distribution system. When this happens there is potential for backflow, or back siphonage.

Potentially hazardous cross-connections occurs every time someone:

• Uses a garden hose sprayer to apply insecticides or herbicides to their lawn.
• Places a hose in a bucket or pool.
• Uses their garden hose to clear a stoppage in their sewer line.

There are many other potentially hazardous cross-connection scenarios. Please review the links below for more information or call or email us directly if you have any questions regarding cross-connection and backflow conditions. 

What is Backsiphonage?

A backsiphonage condition can occur when there is a drop in pressure between the potable and non-potable supply piping. For example, during firefighting operations or a water main break, the City water pressure may suddenly drop below the pressure of the non-potable system. This creates a partial vacuum, which can siphon pollutants or contaminants into the potable water system.

What is Backpressure?

A backpressure condition occurs when there is elevated pressure between the potable and non-potable sources. This can happen if pumps are installed that increase the pressure above the City's water supply pressure, forcing non-potable water to flow backward into the potable water line. Additionally, boilers or other equipment that heat water and cause thermal expansion can create pressures exceeding the incoming water pressure, which can also push non-potable water into the potable water system.

What is a Cross Connection Control Program?

A cross-connection control program is an organized, legally implemented and structured program to eliminate and contain the hazards to municipal potable water supply. These programs have been implemented and are typically passed by state or local law, and enforced by the local water supplier, such as the City of Dunedin.

History of Fluoridation in the City of Dunedin

Dunedin's City Commission decided in 2011 to continue adding fluoride to its water. The choice to start fluoridating was first made in 1989 during the planning of our reverse osmosis water treatment plant. A public meeting was held to discuss current scientific findings and gather input from Dunedin residents. Testimony was given by representatives from the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the Florida Dental Association. Based on strong evidence, the decision was made to proceed with fluoridation.

The City received a federal grant for equipment and chemicals needed to start adding fluoride when our plant started operating in 1992. In 2004, Pinellas County Utilities also began adding fluoride to drinking water. As of 2020, 72.7% of community water systems use fluoride.

In addition to input from the public, Dunedin officials considered recommendations from respected organizations such as the Center for Disease Control, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Medical Association, American Dental Association, U.S. Surgeon General, Florida Health Department, and Pinellas County Health Department. These groups endorsed water fluoridation based on their expertise in public health.

The American Dental Association supports fluoridation of community water supplies and using fluoride products to prevent tooth decay safely and effectively. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends fluoride levels in water supplies between 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm), with a maximum safe level of 4.0 ppm according to USEPA standards. Natural fluoride levels in water from the Floridan aquifer, pumped to Dunedin's R.O. water treatment plant, are 0.2 ppm. Fluoride is added during treatment, resulting in an average fluoride level of 0.71 ppm in Dunedin's drinking water.