Clermont Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

City of Clermont Water Department provides drinking water to approximately 11,935 residents in Clermont, Florida, located in Lake County. The utility sources water exclusively from groundwater wells tapping the Floridan Aquifer System, a major karst aquifer recharged across central Florida's broad watershed. Treatment at the city's facilities involves disinfection with chlorine prior to distribution; the 2022 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report notes that groundwater quality requires only chlorination. The service area covers the city of Clermont and surrounding areas in Lake County, with no surface water from rivers or reservoirs used.

Clermont's water originates from the Floridan Aquifer, recharged across central Florida's karst terrain. The geology features thick sequences of Eocene-Oligocene limestone formations, including the Ocala Limestone and Avon Park Formation, which are highly soluble and prone to dissolution and mineral release. This limestone-dominated, cavernous aquifer imparts a very hard character to the water through natural leaching of calcium and magnesium — alkaline earth metals — from the carbonate rock matrix, yielding elevated mineral content typical of such karst systems.

Very hard water in Clermont leads to significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Hot water systems are most affected, as minerals precipitate at higher temperatures and require more frequent descaling. Maintenance includes regular flushing of water heaters, installing sediment pre-filters, and using vinegar soaks on fixtures. A water softener is strongly recommended to mitigate staining, soap inefficiency, and appliance wear. The 2022 Annual Water Quality Report notes 3 contaminants exceeding EPA health guidelines (MCLGs), including Strontium, Dichlorodifluoromethane, and cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, though within legal limits; certified filters are recommended for vulnerable populations.