Treated supply vs. your well
| Supply from Pompano Beach | Private well | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Biscayne Aquifer wellfields | Groundwater under your property |
| Softening | Lime or membrane | None |
| Disinfection | Chloramine | None |
| Testing | Utility lab, annual report | Owner's responsibility |
Permits in Broward County
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) requires a permit before constructing, repairing, modifying or abandoning wells 12 inches in diameter or smaller, including irrigation wells. A licensed water well driller must do the work. DOH-Broward's line for reporting unpermitted drilling is 954-412-7334.
Testing the well
- Certified lab: total coliform, E. coli and nitrate, as the Department of Health recommends for drinking wells.
- In-home test: iron, hardness, pH and TDS to size equipment.
- Specific concerns: a lab panel for anything else.
Even for an irrigation-only well, knowing the iron level tells you whether staining treatment is worth it.
Retest after a major storm, flooding near the wellhead, a pump replacement or any change in taste, smell or color. The Department of Health also points to certified lab lists, so you can choose an approved facility.
Treatment options
A drinking well system is built from the test: sediment filtration, iron and sulfur treatment, softening and disinfection as needed, often with RO at the kitchen sink. An irrigation well may only need iron treatment sized to the pump. Compare UV vs. RO for well water and see well water systems.
If the well only feeds irrigation, a common decision is between treating it for iron or accepting some staining and adjusting sprinkler aim. Jorge will explain both, and what each costs to run, after the test.
Near the water
Lighthouse Point sits among canals and the Intracoastal, and its Public Works Department maintains the canal and storm drain system. Protecting groundwater and canals goes together: state and city law prohibit dumping into the waterways. If you're drilling, repairing or abandoning a well, DOH-Broward's permit process exists to protect the well and the aquifer beneath it.
Book a well test
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Living Water offers financing through its financing partners; you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you.
https://broward.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-public-health/water-well-construction/
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
https://cdn.pompanobeachfl.gov/city/pages/utilities/Final-2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://www.lighthousepointfl.gov/174/Public-Works
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist