Drinking Water

Florida Statute 381.0062 requires that limited use commercial water systems (small businesses, food processors) and limited use residential water systems (duplexes and greater, assisted living facilities, childcare, family day care) be permitted and monitored by the health department. Water systems are tracked for water quality and operation. Permits are issued and periodic inspections are performed in accordance with Chapter 64E-8 of the Florida Administrative Code (168kb PDF).

The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County is also a delegated authority for the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).  We issue permits for and inspect construction of new domestic water wells in Highlands County, where this district falls. We also permit public water systems, landscape irrigation wells, agricultural irrigation wells, monitoring wells, among others, for SFWMD.

Bureau of Water Programs

This bureau regulates drinking water for approximately 70% of Florida's residents. The bureau also manages health department responsibilities under the State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Act (SUPER Act), Drycleaner Solvent Surveillance Program, and the Drinking Water Toxics Program.