The city already softens; confirm at your tap
For decades Fort Lauderdale's water came mainly from the Fiveash plant, which uses lime softening, with the Peele-Dixie nanofiltration plant serving some areas. The new Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, using nanofiltration and ion exchange, began supplying water in September 2026 and replaces Fiveash as the primary plant. The city's 2025 report says water at its plants is softened. Before paying for a home softener, get a hardness number from your own tap. If spots on glass are the complaint, see hard water spots in Fort Lauderdale.
What drives the price when you do need one
- Hardness and iron at the source: wells usually need more capacity.
- Daily water use: household size, guest turnover or business volume.
- Control valve: demand-based regeneration saves salt and water compared with a timer.
- Salt: sodium or potassium chloride.
- Install location: garage, utility room or outdoor pad, plus drain and power access.
- Pairing: a chloramine filter is often installed alongside on city water.
Hotels, restaurants and other businesses
Fort Lauderdale's tourism and hospitality businesses run water through equipment all day. Living Water installs ion-exchange softening plants for hotels, restaurants, laundries, car washes, gyms, schools and offices. Commercial quotes depend on:
| Factor | Why |
|---|---|
| Peak flow | Check-out hour laundry or a dinner rush |
| Lines treated | Water heaters, kitchens and laundry vs. the whole building |
| Twin-tank design | Soft water continues during regeneration |
| Space and access | Back-of-house rooms vary widely |
Ownership costs to ask about
- Salt use per month at your water use.
- Water used per regeneration.
- Resin life and service frequency.
- Warranty on the valve and tanks.
- Sodium: the city's 2025 report lists sodium at 28.2 ppm in its water. A sodium-based softener adds more; potassium chloride is the alternative if you prefer.
More in water softener cost in Florida.
Financing and next step
Living Water offers financing through its financing partners; you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. Ask any installer for an itemized quote naming the model, capacity, valve, installation work and service. Jorge provides one after testing. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/files/d3f21c58-5644-4f14-9cf9-49b1020de2fd/2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/Residents/City-News/Fort-Lauderdale-Celebrates-Opening-of-Prospect-Lake-Clean-Water-Center
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/Government/Departments/Utility-Services/Treatment/Charles-W-Fiveash
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist