Utility wells vs. private wells
Seacoast's surficial wells are 75 to 200 feet deep and its Floridan wells about 1,500 feet deep. Their water goes through nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, then chloramine disinfection, and is monitored under state and federal rules. A state Source Water Assessment in 2025 identified 28 potential sources of contamination near Seacoast's wellfields, all low to moderate risk. A private well has no such oversight unless the owner arranges testing.
Seacoast posts its source water assessment results through the Florida DEP's Source Water Assessment and Protection program website.
Irrigation wells
Shallow irrigation wells are common across South Florida, and in this area they can bring up iron and hydrogen sulfide. The result is orange stains on walls, pavers and seawalls and a sulfur smell around sprinklers. See orange stains and rotten-egg smell.
If you are unsure what feeds your sprinklers, look for a pump near the irrigation controller or ask your landscaper.
Florida Department of Health advice
The Florida Department of Health recommends testing private drinking wells at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, and after flooding or well repairs. County health departments provide kits and guidance. In a waterfront village, storm surge and flooding are specific reasons to retest.
Treatment, configured from the test
- Iron and sulfur: oxidation and filtration.
- Bacteria: disinfection such as UV, with pre-filtration.
- Hardness: softening if the test shows it.
- Dissolved solids or salt: reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap.
Living Water configures a well water system from each well's test. Compare UV vs. RO for well water.
Because well water changes with season and rainfall, one test is a snapshot. Plan to retest each year and after any change in taste, smell or color.
Saltwater near the coast
Seacoast lists salt water intrusion as a likely source of the sodium in its water, which it reports at 35.5 ppm after treatment. Shallow wells close to tidal water can be more affected by salinity. A test that includes chloride or TDS tells you if that is a factor for your well.
Talk to Jorge
Jorge tests on site and explains what the results mean for irrigation or household use. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
Bring any past lab reports to the visit; they show how the well has changed over time.
https://www.sua.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SUACCR2025.pdf
https://www.sua.com/water/
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/public-health-laboratories/laboratory-services/environmental-laboratory-services/well-water-testing/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist