Well Water Treatment in Boca Raton

Private wells vs. the city's wells

The City of Boca Raton's wells draw from the same aquifer many private wells reach, but that water then goes through lime or membrane softening, filtration, degasification and chloramine disinfection before it reaches homes. A private well delivers the groundwater as it is, with whatever iron, hardness, hydrogen sulfide or other substances it carries.

Florida has no state requirement for routine private home well testing, according to the Florida Department of Health. That makes the owner the quality control.

Irrigation wells

Irrigation wells are the type most Boca Raton-area homeowners deal with. They are not meant for drinking, but they cause real problems: orange staining on walls and walks, clogged sprinkler heads, and sometimes odor. See rust stains in Boca Raton.

Some homes inside the city skip the well entirely and irrigate with the city's IRIS reclaimed water, which the city says is not meant for drinking or bathing.

Drinking wells: what Florida DOH recommends

• Test for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year.
• Test for lead about every three years for most homeowners.
• Test again after flooding, repairs, or any change in taste, color or odor.

In Palm Beach County, the Florida Department of Health runs an Environmental Laboratory in West Palm Beach that tests drinking water for total coliform and E. coli, with sampling instructions in English, Spanish and Creole. Staff can collect samples on request; call 561-840-4500.

Typical treatment, from the test up

There is no one-size well system. Depending on results, a setup may include:

• Sediment filtration for sand and particles.
• Iron and hydrogen sulfide reduction through oxidation and filtration.
• An ion-exchange softener if hardness is high.
• Under-sink RO for drinking water.
• Disinfection equipment where a lab test shows a bacteria concern; see UV vs. RO for well water.

Living Water configures well water treatment from the well's test. See well water systems.

What Jorge checks at a well

• Iron, hardness, pH and dissolved solids.
• Odor at hot and cold taps, for hydrogen sulfide.
• Pump flow and pressure, which affect equipment sizing.
• Whether the well feeds the house, the sprinklers or both.

He will tell you when a certified lab test should come first. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 to book a free visit.

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