Florida’s water comes from aquifers, springs, and surface water that supply both public systems and private wells. Understanding common contaminants, testing requirements, and when filtration makes sense helps homeowners and buyers make informed decisions about their water.
Where Florida’s Drinking Water Comes From
Most of Florida’s drinking water is groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer and other aquifers. Public water systems treat and distribute this water to millions of residents; about 12% of Floridians rely on private wells, according to the Florida Department of Health. Well owners are responsible for testing and maintaining their own water quality—there are no federal or state requirements that mandate routine testing for private wells, so proactive testing is important.
Common Contaminants and Concerns
Minerals and hardness: Groundwater moving through limestone and other rock can be hard (high in calcium and magnesium). Hard water is not a health risk but can cause scale, spotty dishes, and reduced soap performance. Water softeners are a common solution for whole-house treatment.
Bacteria: Wells can be affected by bacteria (e.g., total coliform, E. coli) from septic systems, agriculture, or surface intrusion. Testing is recommended at least annually for bacteria; disinfection (e.g., chlorination, UV) may be needed if tests are positive.
Nitrates and nitrites: Often linked to fertilizer use, septic systems, or animal waste. They can be a concern for infants and pregnant women. Public systems are regulated for nitrates; well users should test. Reverse osmosis and some other treatments can reduce nitrates at the point of use.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”): PFAS have been detected in water sources in Florida, including some springs and public supplies. University of Florida research has reported PFAS in a significant share of spring samples; some areas have drawn attention for elevated levels. The EPA has set federal drinking water limits for six PFAS; public systems must comply over time. Well owners can test for PFAS through certified labs. Point-of-use filters certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS (e.g., certain reverse osmosis and activated carbon systems) can help reduce exposure.
Other possible contaminants: Depending on location, wells and some surface-influenced supplies can be affected by pesticides, arsenic, radium, or other substances. A broad water quality test (and follow-up for any parameter of concern) is the best way to know what’s in your water.
Testing: Public vs Private
Public water: Utilities must test for regulated contaminants and report results in an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). You can request the CCR from your provider or find it online. The new EPA PFAS rules will add required testing and reporting for public systems.
Private wells: The Florida Department of Health recommends testing for bacteria, nitrates, and basic chemistry when the well is new, when there’s a change in taste or odor, or after flooding or repairs. They also recommend testing at least once a year for bacteria and every few years for a broader suite of contaminants. Use a state-certified laboratory and, if you’re concerned about PFAS or other emerging contaminants, ask for tests that include them.
When Filtration Makes Sense
- Taste and odor: Carbon filtration (whole-house or under-sink) can improve taste and reduce chlorine in municipal water.
- Hard water: A water softener can reduce scale and improve soap performance.
- Dissolved contaminants (lead, arsenic, nitrates, PFAS): Point-of-use reverse osmosis or certified carbon filters can reduce many of these when properly selected and maintained.
- Well water: A combination of sediment filtration, disinfection (if needed), and possibly softening or RO is common. Testing should drive the exact choice.
Choosing certified equipment (e.g., NSF/ANSI standards) and following maintenance schedules helps ensure that filtration performs as intended. For wells, retesting after installing treatment confirms that the system is working.
Staying Informed
Water quality rules and science evolve. The Florida Department of Health, the EPA, and your local utility (for public water) are authoritative sources for advisories, testing guidance, and compliance. For PFAS in particular, federal and state limits and monitoring are still developing; checking your CCR and, for well users, periodic testing through a certified lab, keeps you current on your own water.
Florida’s water can be high quality with the right source, treatment, and testing. Whether you’re on a public system or a well, knowing what’s in your water and when to filter—and maintaining any equipment you install—is the foundation of safe, reliable drinking water at home.