Home Water Testing in Opa-locka

Two reports, read together

Opa-locka's Department of Public Works publishes an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for the city's system, with results such as disinfection byproducts, the disinfectant residual and lead and copper at customers' taps. Because the water is purchased from Miami-Dade WASD, the city's report points you to WASD's report for the full list of what was detected at the treatment plants. Both are linked from the city's Water Supply page. Questions about the city report go to customer service at 305-953-2828.

What the free screening measures

• Total chlorine / chloramine, the disinfectant WASD uses.
• Hardness, to see what the county's softening leaves.
• Total dissolved solids, an overall mineral reading.
• pH.
• Iron, if you see stains or use a well.

Where complaints differ by room or by hot and cold, Jorge tests each.

When to use a certified lab

See home screening vs. lab analysis.

Getting ready for the visit

• Note when the problem shows up: hot only, cold only, mornings, one bathroom.
• Have a recent water bill handy; it shows who bills you.
• If you have a filter, find its model number and last cartridge change.
• If the home sat empty, say so; standing water behaves differently.
• If it is October, mention it: WASD's yearly free-chlorine period can change the smell for about two weeks.

Why test at the tap if the reports exist?

The reports describe the system: what WASD measured at its plants and what the city measured at sampling points and selected homes. Your faucet adds one more layer, your own pipes, fixtures, water heater and any filter already installed. Two homes on the same street can taste different because of that last stretch. A tap test also gives a baseline, so if you install a system you can check later that it is still doing its job. If you already own a filter, Jorge can test before and after it to see whether the cartridge is spent or the unit is the wrong type for chloramine.

After the test

If nothing needs treating, Jorge says so. If something fits, he explains the options and gives an itemized quote, and you decide in your own time. See what happens during a home water assessment. Book by call, text or WhatsApp at (305) 793-5974. Have both reports open on your phone if you like, and bring your questions; nothing is too basic to ask.

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