Clues from the stain
| Where | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Arcs on walls, fences and driveways | Irrigation well water |
| Brief brown water after repairs nearby | Disturbed sediment in the mains |
| Hot water only, or one bathroom | Water heater or a pipe section |
| Toilet tank rings and laundry | Iron in the water at that tap |
Irrigation wells
Shallow wells used for sprinklers pull untreated groundwater from the Biscayne Aquifer, which West Miami's Storm Water page describes as shallow and porous. Dissolved iron oxidizes when sprayed and leaves orange marks. Options include an iron-focused filter on the irrigation line, re-aiming heads, or switching irrigation to city water. County watering restrictions apply to wells as well.
Iron in shallow wells can change with the seasons and with how hard the pump runs, so a well that never stained can start after a dry spell or a pump replacement. A test at the irrigation line gives the current level, which is what any treatment has to be designed for.
Inside the home
WASD adds a phosphorus compound for corrosion control, and West Miami's 2023 tap sampling found 0 of 67 homes above the copper or lead action levels. Older galvanized piping and aging water heaters can still shed rust. If discolored water comes from the street, call West Miami's Water & Sewer Department at (305) 266-1122. If it is only inside, a plumber and a multi-tap test narrow it down.
After main repairs or hydrant flushing nearby, run cold water from an outside spigot for a few minutes until it clears before using indoor taps or running laundry, to keep sediment out of fixtures and fabrics.
Cleaning existing stains
Treatment prevents new stains but does not remove old ones. Use a rust remover suited to the surface, test a small area first, and fix the water source before cleaning.
Pool decks, pavers and painted stucco each need a different cleaner. Ask a surface-cleaning professional before using acid-based products.
Test first
Jorge tests iron and pH at the irrigation line and the kitchen tap, plus hardness, which affects iron treatment. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. Related: well water and sulfur smell.
Photos of the worst stains help if they are hard to reach during the visit.
https://westmiamifl.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%7B43D8A331-4B65-45FE-843C-E0F6FE3CD0E8%7D/uploads/2025_WATER_QUALITY_REPORT_FOR_THE_CITY_OF_WEST_MIAMI.pdf
https://cityofwestmiami.gov/water-division
https://cityofwestmiami.gov/index.asp?SEC=9C613BD2-D208-4A49-9DC5-F6586DEB80EC
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist