Hillsborough’s Tap Water: Is It The Best?

Turn on your tap and chances are if you’re a Hillsborough County water customer that liquid was processed for your drinking pleasure at the Lake Park Water Treatment Plant.

That plant, located on North Dale Mabry Highway in the Lutz area, recently took first place for having the best tap water in a region that includes Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, among others. The award was bestowed by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association earlier this month, according to a county media release.

Judges in the contest came from the University of South Florida, the City of Temple Terrace, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies. Water was judged based on its color, smell and taste.

“We take great pride in providing an outstanding product at all of our water plants,” Paul Kavanagh, manager of the Lake Park Water Treatment Plant, was quoted in the release as saying. “We’re absolutely elated to earn this distinction, and I am very proud and honored.”

The Lake Park plant provides water to about 182,000 people in the northwest part of the county. It serves up more than 8 million gallons a day.

As the county prepares to take its tap water to the state-level contest April 30 in Orlando, we’d like to hear from you Carrollwood. Do you think Hillsborough County has the best tap water around? Share your opinions by commenting below!