Drinking wells vs. irrigation sources
| Private drinking well | Irrigation well, lake or canal | |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies | The house | Sprinklers only |
| Who tests it | The owner | The owner, usually only if stains or odors appear |
| Common issues | Iron, sulfur, hardness, bacteria | Orange stains, sulfur smell |
| Must stay separate from house plumbing | Yes, if it is not the house supply | Yes |
Weston's Cross Connection Control Program exists to keep non-drinking water sources from flowing back into the public supply, so any irrigation connection needs to be set up correctly.
Weston's own approach to irrigation
Weston's 2025 Water Quality Report explains that the city uses water from its canals and lakes, not drinking water, to irrigate city property, and runs each zone on a twice-weekly schedule with rain sensors. It is a useful model for homeowners: keep irrigation water and drinking water separate, and treat irrigation water only for what bothers you, such as stains.
Testing a private drinking well
The Florida Department of Health recommends testing private wells at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, through your county health department or a certified lab. Test again after flooding, well work, or a change in taste, color or smell. Designing treatment takes a broader test: iron, hardness, pH, hydrogen sulfide and any specific concern you have.
How a well system is configured
Living Water configures well water systems from the test. Depending on results, stages may include sediment filtration, iron and sulfur treatment, softening, and reverse osmosis at the kitchen for drinking water. Some homeowners also consider UV; see UV vs. reverse osmosis for well water. For any contaminant reduction claim, the exact model must be certified for it.
More: well water systems and well water treatment cost in Florida.
City water vs. well water in one house
Many Weston homes have both: city water inside, and a well or lake pump for the lawn. That is normal. Just treat them as separate systems, with separate tests and separate equipment, and never connect them. See city vs. well water treatment.
Start with a test
Jorge's in-home screening is free; certified lab testing is separate where needed. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.westonfl.org/home/showpublisheddocument/8913/639168633628230000
https://www.westonfl.org/government/public-works-and-utilities/water-and-sewer-utility/common-issues
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/public-health-laboratories/laboratory-services/environmental-laboratory-services/well-water-testing/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist