What changed in 2025
WASD had added fluoride to drinking water since 1958. In 2025 two decisions ended that: Miami-Dade County Resolution R-370-25, approved May 6, 2025, and Florida Senate Bill 700, signed May 15, 2025 with an effective date of July 1, 2025. WASD's 2025 Water Quality Report says the Alexander Orr, Jr., John E. Preston and Hialeah plants discontinued adding fluoride as of June 6, 2025. WASD's website states the change took effect May 29, 2025 at the department level.
Coral Gables is supplied by WASD, mostly from the Orr plant, so this applies to Gables homes on city water.
Why there is still some fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in soil and groundwater. WASD reports that after fluoridation stopped, main system levels have ranged from about 0.1 to 0.3 ppm because of naturally existing levels in the soil and the Biscayne Aquifer. That is the number to compare against any filter's performance data.
Filter options for fluoride
- Reverse osmosis: a common method for reducing fluoride at a kitchen sink. Look for certification for fluoride reduction under NSF/ANSI 58 on the exact model.
- Activated alumina: another method used for fluoride; performance depends on contact time and pH.
- Standard carbon filters generally are not designed for fluoride.
- Whole-home carbon systems are aimed at chlorine and chloramine, not fluoride.
Living Water's alkaline RO system is a multi-stage reverse osmosis unit; check the specific model's documentation for fluoride before relying on it for that purpose.
A neutral note
We do not take a side on fluoride. Whether you want more or less of it is a personal decision, and questions about dental health belong with your dentist. Our job is to explain what is in the water at your tap and what equipment can and cannot do.
Practical tips
- Check WASD's latest report for current fluoride results.
- If you use RO, remember it serves one tap; ice makers and other taps get unfiltered water unless connected.
- Ask how often the membrane is replaced, since reduction depends on a working membrane.
Compare drinking-water setups in best drinking water system for a Coral Gables home, or call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/water-supply-and-treatment.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist