Miami Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Miami tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA standards. At 383 ppm (22.4 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — the EPA recommends certified filtration. There have been 35 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
22.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Miami Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Miami tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
19 contaminants were tested in Miami's water. 19 were detected, and 3 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 18.98 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 7.2 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level. 7 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. According to the EPA, associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 44 ppb — 73% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. According to the EPA, long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies have linked them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 2.7 ppm — 68% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
Disinfectants made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Last longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramines. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 2 ppb (20% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 1 ppm (25% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 6 water utilities serving 2.3M people in the Miami area.
Based on publicly available data from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Miami has PFAS levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA suggests that NSF-certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels. With very hard water (383 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Miami Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
3.2 ppb
12% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
150 ppm
18% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Exceeds EPA limit
20% of cities exceed EPA limit
How Hard is Miami Water?
383 ppm
22.4 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 383 ppm, Miami has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 100–220 ppm
Based on 10 samples from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department 2024 Water Quality Report (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Miami tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Miami
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
3.06 ppb
Miami lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-06-01
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
+ 5 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. The EPA suggests that certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Hazard Index (PFAS mixture)
Exceeds110% of EPA limit
Chloramines
68% of EPA limit
Range: 0.1–4 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
19 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
51 ppb Range: 10-69 Highest LRAA 51 ppb; chloramines disinfection | 80 ppb | Caution 64% of limit | |
44 ppb Range: 3-81 | 60 ppb | Caution 73% of limit | |
Chloramines | 2.7 ppm Range: 0.1-4 Highest RAA | 4 ppm | Caution 68% of limit |
1 ppm Range: 0.5-1 | 4 ppm | Safe 25% of limit | |
2 ppb | 10 ppb | Safe 20% of limit | |
0.3 ppm | 10 ppm | Safe 3% of limit | |
Radon | 197 pCi/L No federal MCL for radon in drinking water | N/A | Safe |
7.2 ppt Range: 0-14 UCMR5 avg; CCR reports max 16 ppt. EPA MCL 4 ppt, compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 180% of limit | |
18.98 ppt Range: 0-33 UCMR5 avg; CCR reports max 31 ppt. EPA MCL 4 ppt, compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 475% of limit | |
6.87 ppt Range: 0-9.4 UCMR5; CCR reports max 10 ppt (at MCL) | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 69% of limit | |
5.6 ppt Range: 0-6.5 UCMR5; CCR reports max 5 ppt | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 56% of limit | |
PFBA | 13.63 ppt Range: 0-22 UCMR5 - no federal MCL | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 4.12 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 23.15 ppt Range: 0-58 UCMR5 | N/A | Safe |
PFHpA | 10.14 ppt Range: 0-20 UCMR5 | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 23.35 ppt Range: 0-56 UCMR5 | N/A | Safe |
6:2 FTS | 108.93 ppt Range: 0-190 UCMR5 - 3/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
8:2 FTS | 8.9 ppt Range: 0-9.6 UCMR5 - 2/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
Hazard Index (PFAS mixture) | 1.1 index Exceeds HI limit of 1.0 (PFHxS + PFNA + HFPO-DA + PFBS + PFHpA). Compliance deadline 2029. | 1 index | Exceeds 110% of limit |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
35
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
35
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Miami's Water?
Utility Name
MDWASA - MAIN SYSTEM
EPA System ID (PWSID)
FL4130871
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
2.3M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Miami tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Florida
Orlando
Very Hard water
Tampa
Very Hard water
Jacksonville
Soft water
West Palm Beach
Very Hard water
Clearwater
Very Hard water
Lithia
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report