Hillsborough County is actively encouraging its residents to rekindle their trust in the local tap water. In a campaign titled "Quality on Tap," officials are highlighting the safety, affordability, and reliability of the county's drinking water. As families gather around the holiday tables this season, the County hopes conversations will flow toward the merits of turning on their taps over grabbing a water bottle.
According to a statement obtained by Hillsborough County's own newsroom, the county's Water Resources department delivers upwards of 73 million gallons of drinking water to over 725,000 residents each day. This effort is underpinned by rigorous testing—to the tune of more than 7,600 water samples and exceeding 33,500 tests in 2024 alone—to consistently ensure the water meets or surpasses regulatory standards.
Moreover, the appeal to switch to tap water does not only stem from a health standpoint but also rings a bell for economic and environmental sensibilities. Hillsborough's tap water comes at the cost of $4.10 per 1,000 gallons, a price point that is a mere fraction of the expense associated with bottled water. The Quality On Tap campaign makes a point that this switch can meaningfully shrink household expenses while simultaneously reducing plastic waste.
Hillsborough County's approach is backed by a team that's dedicated to be constantly monitoring the purity and safety of the water. The county's own certified environmental laboratory conducts thousands of additional tests yearly, ensuring that residents have access to a quality of water that they can always trust, as shared in their news release.
The County is not only promoting the message that its water is potable, but it's also encouraging its citizens to take a collective step towards environmental stewardship. By taking the "Quality On Tap" pledge, families can commit to making a sustainable choice that benefits both their wallets and the ecosystem.
