Operations & Distribution

Operations

We take an enormous sense of responsibility in the safe, secure and efficient operation of Wildwood’s water supply. We constantly monitor the security and functions of all wells, pumping stations and storage facilities daily and keep detailed logs on all. We perform monthly water quality tests based on water samples taken from many points throughout the distribution system. These are sent to a State of Florida accredited laboratory for testing and the results are included in monthly reports to state agencies. We also test for other contaminants on a quarterly and annual basis and test for all primary and secondary drinking water standards tri-annually.

Distribution

Delivering first-class service to our water customers is a vital part of our focus on quality and service. We install, maintain, replace and/or repair all water service lines, taps, fire hydrants and meters in our system. Our lines range from 2 to 20 inches in diameter and often involve the excavation and trenching of land in order to install or repair service connections.

• Meter Reading and Testing 
  • One of the most basic services we provide is meter reading. We routinely read over 5,891 water meters monthly through a automated radio read system. As a method to improve both consistency and accuracy, all meter within the water system have been converted to Radio Read. From time to time manual meter readings are obtained due to equipment failure or high consumption. Meter testing is a vital tool for water systems in determining a meter’s accuracy. Keeping the system in compliance, by routinely testing, calibrating and maintaining our meters, not only saves time and money but adds to the life of the meter as well. By determining the source of the unaccountability, accounting error, leaks, pump inefficiencies, or an illegal cross-connection, actions can be taken to alleviate the discrepancy.
• Backflow Testing
  • An important part of our efforts to ensure both the safety and quality of your drinking water is our Cross-Connection Control Program. The Department of Environmental Protection Agency requires all drinking water suppliers to establish and enforce this program. Our goal is to prevent the contamination of our drinking water supply caused by backflow or backsiphonage. Backflow is an undesirable flow reversal of water and other substances into the City’s distribution system. Even though the water that reaches your home or business is safe, it can be contaminated by a backflow incident within your own piping and could contaminate, or otherwise degrade water quality in the City’s distribution system. To prevent such contamination, all single-family residential meters are installed with a dual check valve assembly. Commercial and multi-family meters are required to be fitted with an above ground backflow prevention assembly. These are tested and repaired if needed annually by a certified backflow tester.
• Valve Exercising 
  • To ensure the proper functioning of the main line valves in our distribution system and thus enable us to isolate sections of the city in the event of line breakages or other unforeseen occurrences, we are required to inspect and exercise these valves annually. Keeping accurate records of the location and placement of all water valves ensures that all valves are exercised routinely and the valves or boxes are repaired and/or replaced as needed.
• Line Locating
  • The Water Department locates the underground main water lines and lines to water meters in easements and rights-of-way that we own in our service area. As a member of Sunshine State One Call of Florida (SSOCOF) we urge you to call before you dig. Calling 811 in Florida is free and routes you to Sunshine State One Call. Smart digging means knowing where utility lines are buried before you dig in order to protect yourself from injury and prevent damage to underground utility lines. Utility companies respond within two full business days to your location to mark underground lines which allows you to dig safely.
• Customer Service 
  • Providing excellent customer service is something we, as a City are committed to. Occasionally problems do occur. In the event you have questions or need assistance with your water meter, you may call the Utility Department at (352) 330-1336 or (352) 330-1330 ext. 106, 107, or 108 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  For after hour emergencies “On Call” personnel are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Wildwood Police Department at (352) 330-1355, and choose option #6 which will transfer you to Sumter County Dispatch Center.