Read the stain
| Where | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Walls, sidewalks, driveway in an arc pattern | Sprinklers on an irrigation well |
| Brown water after street work or a hydrant flush | Disturbed sediment in mains; usually clears |
| One bathroom or the hot side only | Corroding pipe section or water heater |
| Every fixture, on a private drinking well | Iron in the groundwater |
Irrigation wells in an established neighborhood
Mature landscaping and large lawns make sprinklers a fact of life in Miami Shores, and some homes run them from a private well rather than WASD water. Shallow groundwater can carry dissolved iron that oxidizes on contact with air and leaves orange marks. Options include an iron filter on the irrigation line, re-aiming heads away from walls, or switching irrigation to the city supply. Miami-Dade's watering restrictions apply to wells too: two days a week, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., by address.
Iron levels in shallow wells can change with the seasons and with how hard the pump runs. A well that seemed fine for years can start staining after a dry spell or after the pump is replaced. Testing at the irrigation line tells you the current level, which is what any treatment has to be designed around.
Inside the house
WASD adds a phosphorus compound for corrosion control, which its 2025 report says reduces corrosion in pipes and home plumbing. Older galvanized lines can still shed rust, and water heaters past their prime can tint hot water. If discolored water comes from the street, report it to WASD at (305) 665-7477. If it is only inside your house, a plumber and a test at several taps narrow it down.
Cleaning old stains
Treatment stops new stains; it does not erase old ones. Use a rust remover made for the surface, test a small area first, and fix the water source before cleaning, or the marks return.
Pool decks, coral stone and painted stucco each need a different cleaner. If you are not sure, ask a surface-cleaning professional before using acid-based products.
Test before you buy
Jorge tests iron and pH at the irrigation line and kitchen tap, plus hardness, which affects iron treatment. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. Related: sulfur smell and well water.
Bring photos of the worst stains if they are in places hard to reach during a visit.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.msvfl.gov/PublicWorksFAQ
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist