Spots vs. scale
| What you see | Likely meaning |
|---|---|
| Light spots that wipe off | Normal mineral residue from drying |
| Crust on aerators that returns in weeks | Higher hardness than expected; test it |
| Orange or white marks near sprinklers | Irrigation water, often a well |
| Film on glasses from the dishwasher | Detergent, rinse aid or water; test to know |
What the Town's treatment does
Jupiter replaced its lime softening plant with nanofiltration, which treats water from 51 shallow surficial aquifer wells, and its reverse osmosis plant treats brackish water from 12 Floridan Aquifer wells. The Town says both remove undesirable dissolved constituents. Its 2025 report lists sodium at 46.8 ppm, but no hardness figure.
Outdoors: irrigation water
Spots on windows, cars and pool fences hit by sprinklers come from whatever feeds the sprinklers. That may be a groundwater well or reclaimed IQ Water from the Loxahatchee River District, depending on the neighborhood. Either is different from your indoor Town water. Orange marks have their own page: iron stains in Jupiter.
Softener or conditioner, if you need one
- Ion-exchange softener: removes calcium and magnesium; needs salt and a drain.
- Salt-free conditioner: designed to reduce scale formation without removing minerals; spots can remain.
See salt-free conditioner vs. ion-exchange softener.
Simple fixes
- Squeegee shower glass after each use.
- Soak aerators and shower heads in vinegar every few months.
- Use rinse aid in the dishwasher.
- Use RO water for coffee makers and kettles.
When scale does show up
If you see heavy scale on Town water, check a few things before buying anything. Is the home actually on Town water, or on a well? Is the scale only on hot water fixtures, which can point to the water heater? Did you recently move from a city with harder water, bringing appliances that already carry old scale? A test at the cold kitchen tap and at the water heater answers most of these.
Pools and boats: Topping off a pool or rinsing a boat with irrigation well water can leave spots and stains that Town water would not. Use Town water for final rinses where you can.
Test it
Jorge measures hardness and dissolved solids at your tap. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.jupiter.fl.us/282/Water-Utility
https://www.jupiter.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/37580/2025-Water-Quality-Report-Spanish-ADA
https://www.jupiter.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/37493/Adopted-2025-Update-to-10-Yr-Water-Facilities-Supply-Plan
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist