City wells vs. your well
The City's own wells feed a plant that lime softens, filters and disinfects the water, with monitoring reported every year. A private well delivers groundwater exactly as it comes out of the ground. The same aquifer can carry iron, hydrogen sulfide, hardness and color that the City's plant removes. In 2025 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's source water assessment for the City's wells listed four potential sources of contamination nearby, with low to high susceptibility. It is a reminder that what is near a well matters, and that is just as true for a backyard well.
Irrigation wells
Irrigation wells are the most common kind here. They are not for drinking, and they must never be connected to house plumbing. Typical complaints are orange stains and a sulfur smell when the sprinklers run. Treatment, if any, is on the irrigation line.
Private drinking wells
- Test yearly for bacteria and nitrate at a certified lab, as the Florida Department of Health recommends, and again after flooding, well repairs or a change in taste, color or smell.
- Test more broadly before choosing equipment: iron, manganese, hardness, pH, hydrogen sulfide and any specific concern.
- Know what is nearby: septic systems, fertilized areas and old fuel tanks can all affect a shallow well.
Permits in Broward County
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County handles permits for constructing, repairing and abandoning smaller water wells, including irrigation wells, and the work must be done by a licensed water well contractor. If you are moving a building from a well to City water, ask the City of Lauderhill Utilities Department about connecting and about properly abandoning the old well.
How Living Water configures a well system
Living Water builds well systems from the test, using Puronics equipment. Depending on the results, stages may handle sediment, iron and hydrogen sulfide, hardness, and drinking water at the kitchen with reverse osmosis. For bacteria or any specific contaminant, the equipment must be certified for it; check the exact model's listing. Some owners also consider UV; see UV vs. reverse osmosis for well water and the well water system page.
Start with a test
Jorge's in-home screening is free; certified lab tests are separate where needed. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/departments/utilities/water-treatment-plant
https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/33564/639141751477300000
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
https://broward.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-public-health/water-well-construction/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist