OUC’s High Quality Water

OUC has a proven track record of producing water that meets the highest standards of purity.

How We Naturally Source Water

OUC’s water comes from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, fed by rainwater through a natural cleansing process.

Ozone Treatment for Superior Taste

OUC treats the water to ensure safety and uses an advanced ozone treatment process to remove unpleasant tastes and odors.

Quality Testing in a Certified Laboratory

OUC’s Certified Water Quality Laboratory performs thousands of chemical and bacteriological tests annually to ensure that your drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations.

Planning for the Future

OUC is leveraging technology to conserve water, a precious and limited resource, and evolving to meet increasingly complex challenges.

State-of-the-Art Water Distribution System

OUC provides water service to residents and businesses within the City of Orlando and portions of Orange County.

Distribution System

OUC pumps about 35 billion gallons of water per year to customers across a 200-square-mile service area.

High-Security Guarded Facilities

All seven of OUC water plants are patrolled by armed security guards and law enforcement and are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems that include intrusion-detection systems, alarms, cameras and security fences.

Smart Technology to Detect & Prevent Leaks

OUC monitors the water distribution system for leak sounds, which are recorded and analyzed using algorithms and mapping tools to pinpoint potential leak locations. Once identified, crews are dispatched for quick repairs.

Conserve Your Water

It’s important and easy for all Floridians to practice water conservation.

Watering Restrictions

Watering is allowed twice a week during Daylight Saving Time and once a week during Eastern Standard Time, with watering days based on your address.

H2OUC Hydration Stations

These water stations, located at parks and community centers, provide an easy way to refill reusable bottles.

Water Quality Report

OUC’s Water Quality Report shares data and test results that affirm our commitment to providing reliable access to great-tasting and clean H2O while protecting and preserving the public’s water supply.

OUC’s Commitment to High-Quality Water:

Lead & Copper Testing

OUC provides lead and copper testing in schools and daycares to ensure water safety. Learn about testing, regulations and our commitment to water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water Services
Is chlorine added to the water?

Yes, the average concentration is 1.0 ppm (parts per million)


Does OUC use ozone or chloramines?
No.


What is the hardness of my water?
The average hardness of OUC water is 129 ppm or 7 gpg (grains per gallon).


Does OUC add fluoride to its water?
Yes, the average concentration is 0.60 ppm. Fluoride is added to promote healthy teeth. Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent tooth decay. Learn more about OUC’s Fluoridation process.


What is the water pressure?
The average pressure is 65 psi (pounds per square inch).


What is the source of OUC water?
OUC water comes from the lower depths of the Floridian Aquifer, a quarter of a mile below the earth’s surface. This deep water supply is protected from contaminants, pollutants, and bacteria that might affect surface water supplies. This pristine water requires little treatment.


How is the water processed?
Through our five-year Water Project 2000 initiative, OUC has shifted to an advanced ozone treatment process that produces great-tasting tap water. By treating our water with ozone, a strong and safe disinfectant, OUC reduces the use of chlorine in its water system and removes hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring compound that can create an unpleasant taste and odor. We also add fluoride to prevent tooth decay and treat the water to corrosion.


How can we be sure OUC water is safe?
Annually, we conduct approximately 12,000 water quality test on a periodic basis throughout the system. The number of tests that are done is three times more than required. The results consistently demonstrate that the water delivered to you meets or exceeds all federal and state regulations.


Do I need a home water treatment device?
OUC neither recommends nor discourages buying any specific point-of-use treatment device. We encourage you to investigate the claims made, and to check actual performance of a home treatment device before and after installing the unit. Such a decision is a matter of personal preference, especially regarding the taste or softness of either.


Is there copper or lead in OUC water?
The natural copper or lead content of the water OUC delivers to you is well within federal and state safe drinking water standards. However, there may be instances that OUC customers have higher than normal levels of copper or lead in their drinking water because of prolonged exposure of the water to the plumbing or fixtures in their homes or businesses.


Can the risk of exposure to copper or lead be reduced?
Yes. We now treat the water to reduce its natural corrosiveness to help prevent copper or lead from leaching into water from customers’ plumbing. In addition, you can help by:

  • Letting your cold water faucet run about 30 seconds if it has not been used for an hour or longer. This will rinse away any temporary buildup of copper, lead, or other minerals that may occur in your plumbing fixtures (Use that water for plants or washing dishes.)
  • Use cold water from your tap (never hot) for cooking, drinking, or making ice.

Related Content

Efficiency Rebates

Apply online for rebates on 20+ water and energy-saving upgrades—from heat pump A/C units to smart irrigation controllers and even EVs.

Save Energy & Water Tips

Discover simple things you can do to conserve energy and water—and save money! Learn how you can help the environment and your wallet with OUC.

Our Sustainability Goals

OUC leads in sustainable practices and customer programs, committing millions of dollars to new technology, all with a goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Digital Smart Meters

Learn how to read OUC’s digital meters so you can track your energy and water usage online on your myOUC account.

Conservation Audits

Get a free energy and water assessment from an OUC specialist to understand your usage and find ways to lower your utility bills at home or in your business.

Service Rates & Costs

OUC offers transparent utility rates and costs. View our electric rates, water rates and more to better understand your billing and options.