Well Water Treatment in Key Biscayne

Public water across the island

The Village plan says WASD's distribution system serves the whole village through two mains along Crandon Boulevard. Your drinking water comes from WASD's treated Biscayne Aquifer supply, the same main system described in WASD's annual Water Quality Report. There is no public wellfield on the island.

Irrigation sources

Some properties water lawns with WASD water through the meter; others may use a private irrigation source. If you have one, keep it completely separate from the house plumbing. Irrigation water is untreated, and common complaints are orange stains and a sulfur smell around sprinklers. See iron stains and sulfur smell.

If you own a drinking well elsewhere

Many island residents also own property on the mainland or farther afield. For any private drinking well, the Florida Department of Health recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, and again after flooding or well work. A treatment design needs a broader test: iron, hardness, pH, hydrogen sulfide and any specific concern.

How Living Water configures a well system

Living Water's well water system is configured from the well's test. Stages can include sediment filtration, iron and sulfur treatment, softening and reverse osmosis for drinking water. For contaminant reduction claims, check the exact model's certification listing. Compare approaches in city vs. well water treatment.

Irrigation and the shared water supply

On an island served entirely by public water, outdoor use is a big share of what passes through the meter, and Miami-Dade County sets outdoor watering restrictions for properties that irrigate. Whether your sprinklers run on WASD water or a private source, a few habits keep things simple:

• Use a rain sensor so sprinklers skip rainy days.
• Aim heads away from walls, walks and pool decks to avoid staining if the source carries iron.
• Have a licensed plumber confirm there is no cross-connection between any irrigation source and house plumbing.
• If a sprinkler system ever smells of sulfur or leaves orange marks, test that water before buying anything.

For a mainland property on a private drinking well, the steps are different: annual bacteria and nitrate testing, a broader test before treatment, and equipment configured to that water. See well water treatment cost in Florida.

Ask Jorge

Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Jorge can test sprinkler water on the island or plan a well test for another property.

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