Why test if WASD already publishes a report
WASD's 2025 Water Quality Report covers its main system, which serves Key Biscayne directly. It tells you what the utility measured across the system. It does not tell you what happens after the water passes through your building's pumps, any storage tank, the risers and your unit's pipes and water heater. That last stretch is where many taste, color and odor questions start.
What Jorge checks
- Total and free chlorine: shows the chloramine residual at your tap.
- Hardness: after WASD's lime softening.
- Total dissolved solids: useful for drinking water choices.
- pH and appearance: plus any smell you describe.
See what happens during a home water assessment.
When to use a certified lab
Some questions need a certified laboratory: lead at a specific tap, PFAS, or bacteria. For lead, WASD lists its lab offices at 786-552-4181 and 786-552-4738 for tap sampling data, and its service line inventory is at miamidade.gov/knowyourpipes. Read home screening vs. lab analysis.
Good times to test
- When you buy or move into a unit.
- After building plumbing work or a riser replacement.
- If the water tastes or smells different, especially outside WASD's yearly free chlorine weeks.
- Before buying any filter, so you buy for your water.
Reading WASD's report yourself
Before the visit, it helps to open WASD's annual report and find the Main System column, since that system serves Key Biscayne. A few lines are especially useful:
| Line | 2025 Main System | Why it matters at home |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramines | 2.5 ppm (ND to 4.0) | Taste, smell, filter choice |
| Sodium | 33 ppm | Relevant if considering a softener |
| Total trihalomethanes | 50 ppb, limit 80 | Disinfection byproduct, met standards |
| Fluoride | Not added since June 6, 2025 | Natural 0.1 to 0.3 ppm |
Bring questions about any line to the appointment. Jorge will compare it with what he measures at your faucet, and explain where your building's plumbing could change the picture. In a condo, ask management whether the building has storage tanks or booster pumps and when risers were last replaced; that history helps explain a test result.
How a test visit goes
Jorge arrives at the time you choose, usually tests at the kitchen faucet first, and may compare a bathroom tap or the water heater if you report a smell. Results are explained on the spot. You get options, including "nothing needed," and no obligation. In a condo, he only needs access to your unit; no building shutoffs are involved.
Book it
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Jorge tests in your kitchen, explains the numbers and gives you options without pressure.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.keybiscayne.fl.gov/services/public_works/utility.php
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist