Home Water Testing in Belle Glade

PBCWUD tests Belle Glade's public water and publishes the results each year in its Water Quality Report; the 2025 report lists zero violations. A home test answers a different question: what is coming out of your tap, through your pipes and water heater, and what would change taste, odor or scale. Jorge's free in-home test checks chlorine, hardness, pH and TDS. Private wells need their own certified lab test.

Read the utility's report first

PBCWUD's 2025 Water Quality Report has a separate table for the Western Region, which covers Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay. It lists, among other items, chlorine at a highest running annual average of 2.57 ppm, sodium at 61.9 ppm, disinfection byproducts well under their limits, and no UCMR 5 contaminants detected in 2025. That is the starting point for any home test.

What Jorge checks at your home

Chlorine at the tap.
Hardness, which the report does not publish.
pH (PBCWUD targets 7.8 to 8.5 in the West).
TDS, total dissolved solids.
Hot vs. cold if there is an odor, to spot water heater issues.

He explains each result in plain words and what, if anything, it means for treatment. If nothing is needed, he says so.

It helps to note before the visit when problems are worst (morning, after a trip, hot water only), which taps are affected, and the age of the water heater. If you have a recent lab result, have it handy so Jorge can compare.

Home screening vs. certified lab

An in-home test is a screening to choose equipment. It is not a certified laboratory analysis. If you have a specific concern, such as lead from old plumbing, a certified lab is the right tool. Read home screening vs. lab analysis.

Private wells

If your home or business uses a private well instead of PBCWUD, the Florida Department of Health recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, using a certified lab or county health department kit, and again after flooding or well work. See well water treatment in Belle Glade.

Irrigation wells used only for landscaping do not need drinking-water lab tests, but a quick iron check helps if you are fighting stains.

Older homes and lead

PBCWUD's 2023 Western Region tap sampling found lead not detected at the 90th percentile and no sites over the action level. Lead in tap water usually comes from home plumbing rather than the supply, so if your home has older fixtures and you are concerned, a certified lab test of your tap is the way to know.

Book

Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. See what happens during a home water assessment.

Sources:
https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/PubDoc/CCR_2025.pdf
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/public-health-laboratories/laboratory-services/environmental-laboratory-services/well-water-testing/

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist

Common questions

Is Belle Glade's water tested?

Yes. PBCWUD tests it and publishes an annual Water Quality Report with a Western Region table.

What does the free test cover?

Chlorine, hardness, pH, TDS, and hot-versus-cold checks if there is an odor.

Is it a certified lab test?

No. It is a screening for choosing treatment. Jorge will tell you if a lab test makes sense.

How often should a private well be tested?

At least yearly for bacteria and nitrate, per the Florida Department of Health.

Is there any obligation?

No.

Do I need to prepare anything?

Not much. Note when and where you notice problems, and have any past lab results handy.

Book your free water test.

Send your details and Jorge will reach out to schedule a free test at your home. No cost, no obligation, and the results explained in plain words.

Tested at your kitchen table

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City water or well water

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