What the free test covers
| Measurement | Why it matters in West Miami |
|---|---|
| Chloramine / total chlorine | The city reports a residual of 1.5 to 2.2 ppm |
| Hardness | WASD lime-softens; your tap shows what remains |
| TDS | Baseline for RO and taste |
| pH | Taste and plumbing |
| Iron | Stains and older pipes |
Reading the two reports
West Miami's report covers what the city monitors in its own distribution system: coliform bacteria (none in 2025), lead and copper at homes (0 of 67 above the action levels in the 2023 round), the disinfectant residual, and TTHM and HAA5. WASD's report covers the source and treatment: Biscayne Aquifer, lime softening, chloramine, sodium at 33 ppm, the end of fluoridation on June 6, 2025, and a PFAS table. Jorge's readings add the last link, your home.
The city's TTHM (37.13 ppb) and HAA5 (15.75 ppb) results come from its own distribution sampling and sit well under their limits of 80 and 60. These are byproducts of disinfection, and they are one of the reasons some households choose whole-home carbon filtration, though only a model certified for that reduction should be relied on for it.
Why the residual is labeled "chlorine"
West Miami's table lists the disinfectant as chlorine, while WASD describes chloramine. Chloramine residuals are commonly measured as total chlorine, so the two are not necessarily in conflict. If you want the city's explanation, ask Public Works at 305-266-4214. Jorge measures total chlorine at your tap either way.
Lead and other lab tests
- Look up your service line in WASD's inventory at miamidade.gov/knowyourpipes, and ask West Miami about lines it maintains.
- Use a certified lab for lead, bacteria or PFAS results for your home.
- For a private well, the Florida Department of Health recommends bacteria and nitrate testing at least yearly.
The visit
- You describe what you notice.
- Jorge tests at the kitchen and, if useful, a bathroom or hose bib.
- He explains each number.
- If a system fits, you get an itemized quote; if not, he tells you.
See what happens during a home water assessment.
Have your West Miami water bill handy, note existing filters or a softener with their last service date, and write down when problems appear: hot or cold, morning or evening, one tap or all.
Book
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Evenings and weekends can often be arranged.
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/index.asp?SEC=60171889-FD7E-4C76-8CA7-A0A15C45359E
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/knowyourpipes
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist