What the free test covers
| Measurement | Why it matters in Florida City |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | The city disinfects by chlorination; the residual is what you taste and smell |
| Hardness | The city does not publish a hardness figure, so your tap decides |
| Total dissolved solids | Baseline for drinking water and RO |
| pH | Affects taste and plumbing |
| Iron | Relevant to stains and well water |
How your tap compares with the city's report
Florida City's 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is the starting point. It covers the system as a whole: Biscayne Aquifer groundwater, chlorine averaging 1.43 ppm, sodium at 24 ppm, fluoride at 0.16 ppm, and lead and copper sampled at homes. Your own tap adds the effect of your service line, pipes, water heater and any equipment you already have. Jorge compares the two side by side.
Lead and copper: when to use a lab
The city's 2025 report shows no sampled homes above the lead action level and 2 above the copper action level, with the copper 90th percentile at 1.1 ppm against 1.3. The city also posts a copper notice on its Water & Sewer page. If you want lead or copper data for your own home, the report gives the Water Plant number, (305) 248-6855, for testing questions and (305) 247-8221 for full tap results and the service line inventory, which lists zero lead service lines. A certified lab result is the record that counts.
If you are on a private well
A private well is not covered by the city's report. The Florida Department of Health recommends testing wells for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year through a certified lab. Jorge's test adds the measurements needed to design equipment. See well water treatment in Florida City.
What happens during the visit
- Jorge asks what you notice: taste, smell, spots, stains, skin comfort.
- He tests at the kitchen tap and, if useful, a bathroom or outdoor spigot.
- He walks you through each number.
- If a system fits, he explains why and gives an itemized quote. If not, he says so.
More in what happens during a home water assessment.
Preparing for the visit
- Have your latest water bill handy, so we know which utility serves you.
- Note any taste, smell or stain problems and when they happen: hot or cold, morning or evening.
- If you have existing filters or a softener, know the model and when it was last serviced.
- On a well, locate the wellhead and any pressure tank.
Book
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. Evenings and weekends can often be arranged.
https://www.floridacityfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/348/2025-Florida-City-CCR-FINAL
https://www.floridacityfl.gov/183/Water-Sewer
https://www.floridacityfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/246/Florida-City-Copper-Notification-PDF
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist