Knowledge Base

Fear-based water-testing sales tactics may be used to imply documented public drinking water contamination events. Sarasota County Public Utilities has seen taken reports of this occurring in the County. Similar reports have surfaced elsewhere in Florida, including official warnings from Temple Terrace and reports from Cape Coral describing comparable door-to-door water-quality scare tactics or flyers tied to filtration sales.

The consumer guidance issued by the Florida Attorney General explicitly cautions against water treatment device retailers employing scare tactics, misleading home demonstrations, and assertions implying government approval or urgent water issues. Consumers who believe they have experienced such conduct are encouraged to submit complaints to the Consumer Protection Division of the Florida Attorney General. Further information can be obtained here: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/consumer-protection/how-to-protect-yourself-water-treatment-devices

Residents may review Sarasota County Public Utilities’ official water quality resources. They also should not rely on unsolicited in-home demonstrations and are encouraged to report any suspected deceptive sales practices to the relevant consumer protection agencies, such as the Florida Attorney General and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.