What happened to fluoride in Homestead
Homestead's 2024 report announced that the city would stop adding fluoride starting July 1, 2025, in line with the new state ban. The 2025 report confirms the Water Fluoridation Program was discontinued in June 2025. Before that, the report described fluoride being added after chlorination to aid dental protection.
Because the 2025 report covers the full calendar year, its fluoride results include months before and after the change. Future reports will reflect natural levels only.
Natural fluoride
Groundwater picks up fluoride from the rock and soil it passes through. Homestead's wells draw from the Biscayne Aquifer, so a low natural level is expected even without additions. WASD, which serves areas outside the city, reports that its main system ranged about 0.1 to 0.3 ppm after it stopped adding fluoride in June 2025, from natural sources. Homestead's own reports are the place to check the city's values.
How fluoride is reduced at home
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis | A common method; Living Water's under-sink alkaline RO serves a dedicated faucet |
| Activated alumina | Media used specifically for fluoride; performance depends on contact time and pH |
| Carbon pitchers and fridge filters | Generally not designed for fluoride |
For any option, check the exact model's certification for fluoride reduction, typically NSF/ANSI 58 for RO.
Well owners
Private wells in the Redland and rural South Dade never had fluoride added. Their natural level depends on the well, and a certified lab can measure it. If a well also needs iron, sulfur or hardness treatment, RO is usually the final stage. See well water treatment in Homestead.
Comparing options before you buy
If fluoride is the reason you are shopping, ask each seller three things: which exact model, whether its certification listing names fluoride reduction, and how often the parts that do that work must be replaced. RO membranes and alumina media both lose effectiveness with use. Also think about what else you want from the system. Many Homestead families end up choosing RO for taste and convenience as much as for any single substance, and a dedicated faucet makes it easy to use the treated water for cooking and coffee too. Our carbon vs. reverse osmosis comparison covers the differences.
No health claims here
Opinions on fluoride differ, and we do not take sides or make health claims either way. Questions about your family's teeth or health belong with a dentist or doctor. We explain what is in your water and what equipment can do.
Compare drinking water options on best drinking water system for a Homestead home, or book a free test: call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.homesteadfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6143
https://homesteadfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5457/2024-Water-Quality-ENGLISH
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist