Bipartisan bill would manage levels of contaminant to ensure clean drinking water

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, and Rep. Rachel Plakon, R-Lake Mary, recently filed separate bills aimed at controlling the levels of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water.

“Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human need,” Plakon said in a press release. “We have a responsibility to our constituents to take meaningful action to protect their health, and ensure that our vital water resource is free from harmful levels of 1,4-dioxane.”

The proposal, SB 1546/HB 1533, would establish a maximum level of 1,4-dixoane in drinking water of .35 micrograms per liter.

The bill stems from an investigative series by the Orlando Sentinel that identified water contamination throughout the state.

“The ‘Toxic Secret’ series by the Orlando Sentinel has brought to our attention the alarming extent of 1,4-dioxane contamination in our water sources,” Stewart said. “It is our duty to respond swiftly and decisively to protect the health and well-being of our communities.”

According to the EPA, 1,4-dixoane is used as a solvent for “cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, resins, oils, waxes, some dyes, and other organic and inorganic compounds.” Side effects of exposure include vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

High-levels of the pollutants were first discovered in Plakon’s district of Seminole County, which is located in the central part of the state.

The bill also intends, in monitoring 1,4-dixoane levels, to protect Florida residents from health risks associated with harmful chemicals in drinking water.

According to the release, water suppliers are required to abide by the new standards and submit reports to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

If passed, SB 1546/HB 1533 would take effect July 1, 2024.