Well Water Treatment in Highland Beach

The town's wells vs. a private well

The water at your faucet starts in wells, but town wells feed a treatment plant. The Town of Highland Beach's Floridan Aquifer water is high in salt, so the plant runs reverse osmosis, removes gases, adjusts pH and chlorinates. Its 2025 report says the state's 2025 Source Water Assessment found two potential sources of contamination near its wells, with low concern levels.

A private well gets none of that treatment. Whatever is in the ground is what comes out.

That is also why private wells are uncommon here: homes are on the town system.

Irrigation wells on the island

Highland Beach follows the South Florida Water Management District's year-round irrigation rule, and the town bills irrigation customers on town water. Some properties may still use a shallow irrigation well. Shallow wells near the coast can carry iron, sulfur and salt, which show up as stains and odors on walls and walkways rather than in your kitchen. See rust stains in Highland Beach.

Florida Department of Health testing advice

The Florida Department of Health recommends testing private drinking wells at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, and after flooding or repairs. County health departments provide sampling kits and guidance. That advice applies to any well used for drinking or bathing.

Treatment, if a well is used

• Iron and sulfur: oxidation and filtration chosen from the test.
• Bacteria: disinfection such as UV, with proper pre-filtration.
• Salt: reverse osmosis at the point of use.

Living Water configures a well water system from each well's test. Compare city water vs. well water treatment.

Why deep wells need a plant

It surprises people that the town's water comes from 1,200-foot wells. The Floridan Aquifer at that depth is brackish, which is why plain filtration would not work and the town needs reverse osmosis at more than 350 psi. A shallow private well is a different water entirely, often fresher but more exposed to surface influences. Neither should be judged without a test.

Talk to Jorge

Whether you want to understand your irrigation well or your town water, Jorge tests on site and explains the results. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

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