What the report shows
The Western Region table lists fluoride at 0.716 ppm, from triennial sampling in May 2023, when fluoride was still being added. The maximum allowed is 4 ppm. PBCWUD notes the figure predates the change. Future sampling will reflect the water without the additive.
The Western Region table is separate from the Eastern one. Coastal customers see a different fluoride figure in the same report, because the two systems draw from different aquifers and were sampled separately. For Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, the Western figure is the one that applies.
Natural fluoride
Groundwater can contain some natural fluoride from mineral deposits. Belle Glade's source is the Floridan Aquifer, 1,000 to 1,200 feet down. The level after the additive stopped will appear in a future report; until then, a lab test of your tap is the way to get a current number.
If you rely on a private well rather than PBCWUD, nothing was ever added, and only a lab test of your well tells you its natural fluoride level. Ask the lab to include fluoride with your yearly bacteria and nitrate test.
How fluoride is reduced
- Reverse osmosis: a common method for drinking water at the kitchen sink.
- Activated alumina: used in some specialty filters.
- Standard carbon: pitchers, fridge filters and whole-home carbon generally are not designed for fluoride.
For RO, look for NSF/ANSI 58 certification for fluoride reduction on the exact model. See under-sink RO in Belle Glade.
RO is typically installed at one sink for drinking and cooking water. Reducing fluoride at every tap is rarely done, because water for showering and cleaning is not usually the concern. Ask how often filters and the membrane are changed, since performance depends on keeping them current.
A neutral note
We do not take a position on fluoride. This page lays out the facts about your water and how filtration works. For dental or health questions, talk to your dentist or doctor.
The statewide change applies to all community water systems in Florida, not just PBCWUD.
Remineralizing
RO removes most dissolved minerals along with fluoride. Living Water's alkaline RO adds a remineralization stage for taste. Compare alkaline vs. standard RO.
Some people prefer standard RO water as is. Either way, the membrane does the reducing; the alkaline stage only adds minerals back afterward.
Book a test
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist