Hialeah – Florida – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
The City of Hialeah Department of Public Works provides comprehensive water services to over 230,000 residents across a 23 square-mile area in Miami-Dade County, including portions of unincorporated areas. Established as a municipal utility with emergency interconnects to Hialeah Gardens and Miami-Dade County, the system purchases most of its water from Miami-Dade County while operating its own Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant that delivers 7.5 million gallons daily to northwestern Hialeah residents.
Hialeah sources its drinking water primarily from the Biscayne Aquifer, a reliable underground geological formation that has supplied freshwater since the early 1920s. The southeastern area receives water from the John E. Preston Water Treatment Plant owned by Miami-Dade County, while the City of Hialeah-owned Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant draws from the deeper Floridan Aquifer for consistently high-quality source water. Residents consume approximately 24 million gallons of water daily, with the utility maintaining compliance with all federal and state quality standards while investing in capital improvements and water conservation initiatives.
Hialeah Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- EPA Compliance Status: For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 – June 2024), Hialeah’s tap water was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards, meeting all regulatory requirements.
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: Recent analysis shows a 90th percentile lead concentration of 2.1 ppb, well below the federal action level of 15 ppb, with comprehensive monitoring of 124 sample locations throughout the system.
- Comprehensive Testing: Miami-Dade County conducts extensive water quality testing to ensure the water surpasses federal, state, and local standards before distribution to Hialeah customers.
Water Sources
- Biscayne Aquifer: Primary source providing the majority of Hialeah’s water supply, with treatment at Miami-Dade County facilities including the Hialeah and John E. Preston Water Treatment Plants.
- Floridan Aquifer: Secondary source accessed through the City of Hialeah-owned Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant, providing 7.5 million gallons per day to northwestern Hialeah.
- Groundwater Protection: Comprehensive aquifer management and source water protection measures to safeguard both primary and secondary water sources from contamination.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Reverse Osmosis Treatment: The Hialeah RO plant utilizes advanced membrane technology to remove contaminants and provide high-quality water, with chlorine disinfection for pathogen control.
- Multi-Barrier Approach: Miami-Dade County facilities employ comprehensive treatment processes including filtration, disinfection with chloramine, and rigorous quality monitoring.
- Quality Control: Continuous monitoring and testing throughout the treatment and distribution process to ensure water quality meets or exceeds all applicable standards.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Distribution System: Extensive network serving over 230,000 residents with reliable water delivery and emergency interconnections for system redundancy.
- Wastewater Management: Comprehensive collection system with 101 lift stations, approximately 338 miles of gravity sewer lines, and over 6,900 manholes for proper wastewater management.
- Capital Improvements: Ongoing investment in infrastructure modernization and upgrades to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain high-quality services.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Hialeah Water provides comprehensive customer support through its Department of Public Works, offering 24-hour emergency response for water and sewer issues. The utility maintains transparent communication through annual water quality reports available in both English and Spanish, and provides online bill payment services and account management. Miami-Dade County’s Water Wisely program offers conservation tips and rebates for water-efficient fixtures, while the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance for qualifying customers. The system’s commitment to water quality includes ongoing monitoring, infrastructure improvements, and customer education to ensure safe, reliable water service for all residents.
Recommendations for Hialeah Residents
Monitor Water Quality
Contact Hialeah City Hall at (305) 883-5800 for general inquiries or visit hialeahfl.gov for annual water quality reports. For water billing questions, call (305) 883-5850. Consider home water testing if you have concerns about specific contaminants.
Practice Water Conservation
Follow Miami-Dade County’s water conservation guidelines: no lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Take advantage of rebates on high-efficiency toilets, faucets, and showerheads through the Water Wisely program.
Consider Home Filtration
While Hialeah’s water meets federal standards, homes may benefit from NSF-certified filters designed to remove chloramine and specific contaminants of concern, especially for drinking and cooking water.
Access Financial Assistance
Qualify for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) through Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. Contact 305-274-9272 for information about bill assistance and payment plans.
Report Emergencies
Call Miami-Dade Water and Sewer’s 24-hour emergency line at 305-274-9272 for broken pipes, water main breaks, or sewer backups. For Hialeah-specific water emergencies, contact Hialeah City Hall at (305) 883-5800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hialeah’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Hialeah’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city receives most of its water from Miami-Dade County, which undergoes comprehensive treatment including filtration and disinfection. The Hialeah Reverse Osmosis plant provides additional high-quality water through advanced membrane treatment.
Miami-Dade County maintains over 8,500 miles of water lines and conducts extensive testing to ensure water quality surpasses federal, state, and local standards. Recent EPA assessments confirm the water utility remains in compliance with all health-based drinking water standards, demonstrating the system’s commitment to providing safe drinking water to residents.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Taste variations can occur due to several factors:
1. Disinfection method: Miami-Dade County water uses chloramine disinfection, which can cause a different taste compared to chlorine. This taste won’t fade if water is left in the refrigerator overnight
2. Source variation: Water from the Hialeah RO plant (chlorine disinfection) may taste different from Miami-Dade County water (chloramine disinfection)
3. Natural organic matter: Water from certain areas of the Biscayne Aquifer may contain natural organic material that can affect color and taste, though it poses no health risk
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Hialeah City Hall at (305) 883-5800 for assistance. Running water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can sometimes help improve taste and odor.
Does Hialeah have lead in its water system?
Hialeah’s water system maintains compliance with federal lead and copper regulations:
• Testing results: Recent analysis shows a 90th percentile lead concentration of 2.1 ppb, well below the federal action level of 15 ppb
• Service lines: The distribution system primarily uses non-lead materials, with comprehensive monitoring throughout the service area
• Treatment measures: Water treatment includes corrosion control to prevent lead leaching from older plumbing components
• Home testing: Residents concerned about lead can contact water quality testing services, especially for homes built before 1986
While the EPA recognizes no safe level of lead, Hialeah’s levels remain well within compliance and the utility continues monitoring and treatment optimization.
Are there water restrictions in Hialeah?
Miami-Dade County maintains year-round water conservation measures:
Standard Conservation Rules:
• No lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily to minimize evaporation
• Efficient irrigation practices encouraged to reduce water waste
• Leak detection and repair programs to maintain system efficiency
Drought Response:
During severe drought conditions, additional restrictions may be implemented including:
• Further limitations on outdoor watering
• Restrictions on vehicle washing and pool filling
Current water use guidelines and any emergency restrictions are available through Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department at 305-274-9272 or miamidade.gov/water.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chlorine or chloramine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water; levels may vary seasonally based on source water conditions
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels of trihalomethanes (TTHMs) may increase cancer risk and potentially affect pregnancy outcomes
Current Levels: Monitored regularly throughout the distribution system with bromodichloromethane detected within regulatory limits EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances including 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid detected in water testing, originating from industrial processes and consumer products
Health Effects: Research indicates potential impacts on immune system, liver function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers and developmental effects
Current Status: Detected at low levels with monitoring ongoing; EPA finalized new PFAS regulations in 2024 EPA Action: New maximum contaminant levels established for specific PFAS compounds
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