What the free test measures
| Test | Why it matters in Tamarac |
|---|---|
| Total chlorine (chloramine) | Both systems use chloramine; this is the taste and smell most people notice. |
| Hardness | The city says it partially softens to about 3.5 grains per gallon; your tap confirms it. |
| TDS | Dissolved minerals; useful for drinking water and spotting. |
| pH | Context for taste and for choosing alkaline RO. |
| Iron | Mostly for wells and irrigation water. |
West or East: reading your city report
The City of Tamarac publishes a West report (west of State Road 7/US 441, city plant) and an East report (east of NW 31st Avenue, water from Fort Lauderdale). Both are linked from the city's Water Report page. Your test results will sit next to one of them. For example, 2025 chloramine averages were 2.73 ppm West and 2.15 ppm East, so a reading in that range at your tap is normal.
When a lab test is the right call
- Lead: older home plumbing or questions about your service line. The city is identifying lead service lines and has a program page for checking yours.
- PFAS: needs certified lab methods.
- Bacteria in a well: Florida's Department of Health recommends regular testing for total coliform and E. coli in private wells.
See home screening vs. lab analysis.
What happens during the visit
- Jorge asks what you notice: taste, smell, spots, skin, stains.
- He tests at the kitchen tap, and at a well or outdoor tap if relevant.
- He explains each number in plain words and what it means for you.
- He recommends only what fits, or nothing.
More on what happens during a home water assessment.
Seasonal homes and vacant periods
Many Tamarac homes sit empty for part of the year. Water that stands in pipes and a water heater for weeks can taste or smell different when you return, and the disinfectant residual drops. If you test right after a long absence, run the cold tap for a few minutes first, or ask Jorge to test both before and after flushing so you see the difference.
The same logic applies to new homeowners: test after the water has been running normally for a few days for the most representative results.
Book it
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. The test is free and there is no obligation. For questions about the city's own testing, the Water Treatment Plant lab is at (954) 597-3775.
https://www.tamarac.gov/395/Water-Report
https://issuu.com/etamarac/docs/2025-tamarac-west_ccr_final
https://issuu.com/etamarac/docs/2025-tamarac-east_ccr_edited
https://www.tamarac.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=388
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist