What gets measured
| Reading | Why it matters in Tamiami |
|---|---|
| Total chlorine / chloramine | WASD's disinfectant on both sides of SW 8 Street |
| Hardness | WASD softens at the plant; the reading shows what is left |
| pH | Taste and media performance |
| Total dissolved solids | Baseline for drinking water and RO |
| Iron | For orange stains, usually from an irrigation well |
Reading WASD's report for Tamiami
WASD's annual Water Quality Report has a Main System column, which covers the Orr, Hialeah and Preston plants that serve Tamiami, and a separate South Dade Water Supply System column for areas far to the south. Use the Main System column. The report also explains which plant generally serves which side of SW 8 Street, useful context if you notice small differences from friends across the Trail.
Neighbors on the other side of SW 8 Street may be served primarily by a different plant, so small differences in taste between houses a few blocks apart are not unusual.
When a certified lab is the right call
- Private drinking well: the Florida Department of Health recommends bacteria and nitrate testing at least yearly, and coliform bacteria, nitrate and lead at a home sale.
- Lead questions: WASD's service line inventory is at miamidade.gov/knowyourpipes, and WASD's labs can be contacted about lead sampling data.
- PFAS or another specific contaminant: ask a certified lab which method it uses.
Compare the two approaches in home screening vs. lab analysis.
Jorge's screening and a lab report answer different questions: the lab tells you whether specific contaminants are present at specific levels; the screening tells you which equipment would change what you notice.
How the visit works
- You describe what you notice.
- Jorge tests the kitchen tap, and the shower, hot side or irrigation spigot if useful.
- He explains the readings and what they mean for equipment.
- If something fits, you get an itemized quote; if not, he tells you.
Details: what happens during a home water assessment.
Timing tips
WASD periodically switches to free chlorine for a couple of weeks, which can change disinfectant readings and smell. If you test during one of those periods, Jorge notes it so you are not surprised when the readings shift back.
Hot-side readings can also differ from cold in homes with older tank heaters, so testing both helps when smell or color is the complaint.
Book
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. If you are not sure whether you are on WASD or a well, have a recent water bill handy, or check well water in Tamiami.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
https://www.cityofdoral.com/News-articles/Miami-Dade-Water-and-Sewer-Department-WASD-Chlorine-Conversion
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist