Village wells vs. a private well
| Village of Palm Springs water | Private well | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Surficial aquifer, 17 wellfield sites | Shallow groundwater under the property |
| Protection | Palm Beach County Wellfield Protection Ordinance | Depends on what is nearby |
| Treatment | MIEX, lime softening, chloramine, filtration | None unless added |
| Monitoring | Quarterly source testing plus compliance sampling | Owner's responsibility |
Irrigation wells
Irrigation wells are the most common private wells around Palm Springs. They are not for drinking, but iron and sulfur in that water stain walls, walks and pool decks and can smell near sprinklers. See orange stains and rotten-egg smell. For watering rules, the Village points residents to the South Florida Water Management District.
Iron treatment on an irrigation line protects walls and sprinkler heads; it does not make the water drinkable.
Drinking wells: Florida DOH guidance
- Test for bacteria and nitrate regularly, and after flooding or well repairs.
- Retest when taste, color or odor changes.
- Use a certified laboratory.
The Florida DOH in Palm Beach County runs an Environmental Laboratory in West Palm Beach that tests drinking water for total coliform and E. coli and publishes potable well sampling instructions in English, Spanish and Creole.
Why the Village's assessment matters to well owners
The 2025 FDEP source water assessment for the Village's wells found 6 potential sources of contamination at low to moderate susceptibility, based on activities such as dry cleaners, auto repair shops and gas stations within a five-year groundwater travel time. A private well draws from the same surficial aquifer, so it is a reminder to test regularly. The assessment results are on FDEP's Source Water Assessment and Protection website.
Building a well system
- Sediment filtration.
- Iron and hydrogen sulfide reduction.
- Ion-exchange softening if hardness is high.
- Under-sink RO for drinking water.
- Disinfection equipment if a lab test shows a bacteria concern; compare UV vs. RO.
See Living Water's well water system and well system cost drivers.
Sizing depends on the pump's flow rate and the home's peak demand, since many treatment tanks need enough flow to backwash.
What Jorge checks
Iron, hardness, pH, TDS, odor on hot and cold, pump pressure, and whether the well serves the house, the yard or both. He recommends a certified lab test first when bacteria or specific contaminants are a question. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.vpsfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/7351/2025-Water-Quality-Report
https://www.vpsfl.org/339/Water-Restrictions-Conservation
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
https://palmbeach.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/water-lab/
https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/well-water-facts-odor-staining.pdf
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist