Start with the Village's data sheet
Bal Harbour's 2025 Water Quality Data sheet, linked from the Village's water page, lists WASD's systems side by side with a Bal Harbour Village column. Lines worth reading:
| Line | Bal Harbour Village, 2025 | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramines | 2.5 ppm (ND to 4.0) | Taste, smell, filter choice |
| Total coliform | 0 | Distribution sampling |
| Copper at the tap | 1.09 ppm 90th percentile; 0 of 10 homes over 1.3 | Household plumbing |
| Sodium | 33 ppm | Relevant to softener choices |
Lead and copper results come from sampling at homes, which is a reminder that plumbing inside buildings matters.
What Jorge measures at your faucet
- Total and free chlorine: the chloramine residual where you drink.
- Hardness: what is left after WASD's softening.
- Total dissolved solids: useful for drinking water choices.
- pH, color and odor: plus anything you have noticed.
See what happens during a home water assessment.
When a certified lab is needed
Lead at a specific faucet, PFAS and bacteria require a certified laboratory. WASD lists its lab numbers for lead sampling information in its annual report (786-552-4181 and 786-552-4738), and its service line inventory is at miamidade.gov/knowyourpipes. For the Village's own lines, contact Public Works at [email protected]. Read home screening vs. lab analysis.
Lead and copper sampling in the Village's column comes from homes, which is why plumbing inside your building is worth a look if you have concerns.
Questions for building management
- Does the building use storage tanks or booster pumps?
- When were risers and main valves last replaced?
- Is hot water central or in each unit?
- What are the rules for plumbing work in units?
The answers often explain a taste or color you notice at one faucet but not at the Village level.
Good times to test
- When you buy or return to a unit after months away.
- After building plumbing work.
- If taste or smell changes outside WASD's yearly free chlorine weeks.
- Before buying any filter, so you buy for your water.
How the visit works
Jorge comes at the time you choose, tests at the kitchen faucet first, and may compare a bathroom tap or hot water if you have noticed a smell or color. Results are explained on the spot, and you get options, including "nothing needed." In a tower he only needs access to your unit; no building shutoffs are involved.
Book it
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. The test is free, usually takes under an hour with the explanation, and carries no obligation.
https://balharbourfl.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2025-Water-Quality-Data-Miami-Dade-County-and-Village-of-Bal-Harbour.pdf
https://balharbourfl.gov/departments/public-works-beautification/water/
https://balharbourfl.gov/departments/public-works-beautification/frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist