Bithlo residents worried about water quality

Residents in a Bithlo neighborhood said they are worried about the water quality.
Now, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said the county is paying to test it.

A gas station leaked petroleum into their wells near Hewlett Road in Bithlo years ago, officials said.

On Wednesday, Jacobs met face to face with concerned residents.

Sharon Harrison was still living in Bithlo 25 years ago when the gas station on State Road 50 leaked petroleum that seeped into nearby wells.

"We were raised on this water.  I have four children, [and] they were raised on this water.  Now, to think it might have gone bad--it is rotten," said Harrison.

Some of Harrison's neighbors said they were also furious.

Now, the county said it is paying $10,000 to test nearby wells. 

So far, 105 people have signed up.

"I want to live my old age out here and not have to worry," Harrison said.

County officials said they are testing the water for cancer-causing contaminants such as petroleum, and metals, such as lead and arsenic. 

One resident said she doesn't want to wait, so she paid $4,000 for a charcoal water treatment system, which can get rid of contaminants.

As for the others, if the county finds too much contamination, residents will get vouchers for water bottles until the state buys filters, or until the county hooks them up to public water, officials said.

"Are you prepared to pay to hook up the nearest water lines to the nearest water line?" WFTV reporter Tim Barber asked.

"I think that is probably the last option," said Jacobs.

Jacobs said the residents prefer filters because they're cheaper. 

Harrison said she hopes she doesn't need either option.

"They have me worried too. Those people across the street from me have problems. I live closer than they do," said Harrison said.

The county said it has also been fixing pipes and culverts in the area.

The test results will be ready next month.