Why wells are still common here
WASD serves most of the village, but mains are still being extended. In June 2026 the Village announced WASD work to install new 8-inch mains, services and hydrants along SW 141 Terrace between SW 72 Avenue and SW 74 Court, and along SW 178 Street and SW 178 Terrace between SW 93 and SW 94 Avenues. Homes on streets without a main rely on private wells. Even where county water is available, large lots often keep a well for irrigation.
Septic and wells on the same lot
A 2018 Miami-Dade study counted 5,757 residential parcels on septic in Palmetto Bay. The Florida Department of Health notes that bacteria and nitrate can reach groundwater and wells through poorly maintained septic systems, fertilizer application or poorly constructed wells. The Village's own guidance adds that leaking septic systems release nutrients and bacteria that stormwater can carry off. For a drinking well, that makes the annual certified lab test for bacteria and nitrate the starting point, before any equipment.
Drinking well or irrigation well
| Drinking well | Irrigation well | |
|---|---|---|
| Lab test | Bacteria and nitrate every year | Not required for sprinklers |
| Common issues | Iron, hardness, sulfur odor, taste | Orange stains, outdoor odor |
| Treatment | Whole-home system from the test | Optional iron treatment on the line |
How a Palmetto Bay well system is put together
Each system is built from the results. A typical design might combine sediment filtration, iron and sulfur treatment, a softener, and an under-sink RO at the kitchen. Bacteria call for their own decision; read UV vs. RO for well water. See the well water system page.
If you are switching to county water
When a main reaches your street, connecting is a process with WASD and permits, and closing an old drinking well properly is a regulated step; check with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade about the requirements. Many owners keep a well for irrigation only. Once you are on county water, the treatment question becomes chloramine instead; see whole-home filtration in Palmetto Bay.
Next step
Miami-Dade's irrigation schedule applies to wells too: odd addresses Wednesday and Saturday, even addresses Thursday and Sunday, never 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a free well assessment, call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4898
https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4897
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/environment/documents/vulnerability-septic-systems-sea-level-rise.pdf
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/355/Information-for-Home-Residents
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist