Utilities - Water Division

• Responsibilities

  • For emergency WATER issues, call: 352.253.4229
  • For emergency SEWER issues, call 352.253.4279
  • Questions about your Utility Bill, Water Meter, Water, or Sewer Services are handled by the Finance Department.  Call 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday: 352.742.6400 or Email Utility Billing.
  • Tavares Utilities Department provides potable water, wastewater treatment, and reclaimed water for irrigation, serving homes and businesses throughout Tavares. The utility is a government-owned enterprise fully funded by customer rates, not tax dollars.

The Utilities Water Division is responsible for providing drinking water. The water distribution system has approximately 134+ miles of water lines serving citizens within and outside the city limits. Water is drawn from the Upper Floridian Aquifer through 6 wells at one of 4 water treatment facilities, which are then treated with chlorine for disinfection. The Water Division has three storage facilities with a capacity of 2.5 million gallons. Each Water treatment facility has an onsite generator for continuous operation even during catastrophic events. 

The Utilities Water Division continually samples drinking water to ensure that it meets the requirements set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency. For specific questions about sampling, please get in touch with the Water Division during business hours.

The City of Tavares requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide an annual water quality report. 

2024 Water Quality Report PAC

2024 Full Water Quality Report

Fire Hydrant Testing

The National Fire Protection Association standards require that all public fire hydrants be inspected regularly. The Tavares Fire Department performs these tests throughout the year.

Hydrant flushing sometimes stirs up sediment in the water lines, resulting in temporarily brown or “rusty” water in nearby houses and businesses. If you know that hydrant flushing occurs in your area, you can reduce your chance of having rusty water by minimizing water use. You should avoid washing clothes until the flushing is complete and you have flushed any rust water from your home plumbing.

For additional information or questions, please get in touch with the Tavares Water Dept. at 352-742-6222. 

Cross Connection Program

To provide safe drinking water, the City of Tavares has a comprehensive cross-connection program to prevent cross-connection to the potable water system. This program requires that backflow preventers be tested annually. When backflow preventers need the required testing, the Water Division will mail out a test report and an approved list of backflow testers for your convenience.

 If you need more information or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Tavares Water Department’s Cross Connection Coordinator at 352-742-6453.