Home Water Testing in Westlake

Start with SID's report

SID's 2025 Water Quality Report (public water system ID 4504903) has two parts: PBCWUD's supplier results and SID's internal results. Highlights include chlorine and chloramines at a 3.04 ppm running annual average, disinfection byproducts under their limits, and lead and copper at Westlake taps below action levels in June and December 2025. A Spanish copy can be requested at SID's main office.

The report also explains the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) for general questions about contaminants and health effects, and lists SID's number for questions about the report itself.

What Jorge checks at your home

• Chloramine at the tap.
• Hardness, which the report does not publish.
• pH and TDS.
• Hot vs. cold if there is an odor, to spot water heater issues.

If nothing is needed, he says so.

It helps to note when problems are worst (morning, after a trip, hot water only), which taps are affected, and the age of the water heater. In a new home, mention the move-in date; a house that sat empty can show odors that fade with use.

Lead and your home's plumbing

SID's report explains that lead in drinking water comes mainly from service lines and home plumbing, which the utility cannot control. In 2025 SID's tap sampling showed a lead 90th percentile of 1.8 ppb against an action level of 15. If you are concerned about your own fixtures, the report suggests flushing the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water has sat for hours, and testing. A certified lab is the right tool for lead.

Home screening vs. lab

An in-home test is a screening to choose treatment, not a certified laboratory analysis. For lead, PFAS or other specific contaminants, use a certified lab. Read home screening vs. lab analysis.

Jorge will tell you plainly when a question is beyond an in-home screening and a lab is the better route.

Timing around flushes

If you test during an SID chlorine flush period, such as July 5 to 25, 2026, the disinfectant reading will look different from normal. Jorge will note it, and you can retest afterward if you want a baseline.

SID's flush notices are posted on its website, so you can check dates before booking if you want a typical reading.

Book

Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. See what happens during a home water assessment.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist