Miami – Florida
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is one of the largest public utilities in the United States, serving approximately 2.3 million residents across Miami and surrounding areas in Miami-Dade County. The system operates three major water treatment plants, manages over 8,000 miles of water mains, and delivers an average of 300 million gallons of water daily to this dynamic coastal metropolis.
Unlike most American cities, Miami draws nearly all of its drinking water from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow groundwater system that lies just below the surface throughout southeastern Florida. This unique geological formation provides naturally filtered water but is highly vulnerable to contamination from surface activities and saltwater intrusion. With average annual rainfall of approximately 60 inches, Miami benefits from regular aquifer recharging but faces increasing challenges from sea level rise, extreme weather events, and population growth. Miami has invested over $13.5 billion in its “Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Program” to upgrade infrastructure, improve resilience, and ensure clean water delivery for future generations in this rapidly evolving coastal environment.
Miami Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 3.1 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, demonstrating effective corrosion control practices and ongoing infrastructure improvement.
- Testing Scope: Miami conducts over 210,000 water quality tests annually across 147 parameters, with extensive monitoring at treatment plants, distribution systems, and customer taps.
- Compliance Status: Miami’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
Groundwater Supply
- Biscayne Aquifer: Primary source (approximately 99% of supply) with water drawn from over 100 wells across the county, providing naturally filtered water with consistent quality.
- Floridan Aquifer: Alternative deep aquifer being explored for future supplemental supply and drought resilience, though requiring advanced treatment due to higher mineral content.
- Wellfield Protection: Comprehensive groundwater protection program including development restrictions, monitoring networks, and pollution prevention initiatives around critical wellfields.
Treatment Excellence
- Advanced Filtration: Hialeah, Preston, and Alexander Orr Water Treatment Plants utilize lime softening, multi-stage filtration, and ozone treatment to ensure water quality excellence.
- Disinfection System: State-of-the-art chloramine disinfection with continuous monitoring maintains pathogen control while minimizing disinfection byproducts.
- Water Hardness Management: Lime softening processes reduce water hardness from the calcium-rich aquifer, improving taste and reducing scale formation in pipes and appliances.
Infrastructure Transformation
- Capital Improvement Program: Over $13.5 billion allocated for comprehensive system upgrades through 2035, addressing aging infrastructure, capacity needs, and resilience challenges.
- Water Main Modernization: Systematic replacement of aging pipes focusing on pre-1970 materials, with priority for areas experiencing water main breaks or water quality concerns.
- Digital Water Management: Implementation of advanced SCADA systems, real-time water quality monitoring, and predictive analytics to optimize system performance and quickly address emergent issues.
Climate Resilience Planning
Miami has developed a forward-looking water resilience strategy addressing the unique challenges of its coastal location. The city’s “Ocean Outfall Legislation Compliance Plan” and “Water Infrastructure Resilience Program” include measures to combat saltwater intrusion through strategically positioned saltwater barrier wells, moving wellfields inland, and exploring alternative water sources including aquifer storage and recovery systems. WASD has incorporated extensive flood protection for critical infrastructure and implemented energy efficiency measures across its operations. The utility works closely with regional planning bodies on integrated water management that balances environmental protection with reliable service delivery. Miami’s water planning specifically addresses sea level rise projections, with infrastructure designed to maintain service during extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common in this vulnerable coastal region.
Recommendations for Miami Residents
Schedule Free Testing
Miami-Dade residents can request free water quality testing by calling 311 or (305) 468-5900. This service is particularly recommended for homes built before 1986 with potential lead plumbing or following hurricanes or flooding events.
Consider Filtration Options
While Miami water is safe to drink, residents concerned about taste or hardness may benefit from NSF-certified filters. Those near coastal areas should consider filters certified for saltwater intrusion (Total Dissolved Solids reduction).
Conserve Water Resources
Take advantage of Miami-Dade’s conservation programs, including up to $500 in rebates for water-efficient fixtures. The “Water Use Efficiency Plan” offers free irrigation evaluations and rain sensors to reduce unnecessary water usage.
Prepare for Storm Events
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days as part of hurricane preparedness. Sign up for Miami-Dade Emergency Alerts to receive water quality advisories following severe weather events.
Report Water Issues
Report water main breaks, water quality concerns, or pressure problems immediately through the Miami 311 app or by calling 311. Early reporting helps WASD respond quickly to emergencies and prevent potential contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Miami’s tap water is safe to drink and consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state quality standards. The water undergoes rigorous treatment at our Hialeah, Preston, and Alexander Orr Water Treatment Plants, including lime softening, filtration, and disinfection processes.
Miami-Dade WASD conducts over 210,000 tests annually, monitoring the water from source to tap. Our groundwater source from the Biscayne Aquifer provides naturally filtered water that is further treated to ensure safety and quality.
Some residents may notice that Miami water is “harder” than water in other regions due to the natural calcium content from the limestone aquifer. While this affects taste, it poses no health risk. If you have specific concerns about your water quality, Miami-Dade offers free water testing by calling 311.
How is Miami addressing saltwater intrusion concerns?
Miami-Dade WASD is actively addressing saltwater intrusion through several strategies:
• Salinity control structures: Operating over 20 coastal structures to maintain freshwater levels and prevent saltwater advancement
• Western wellfield expansion: Moving drinking water wellfields inland away from coastal saltwater influence
• Comprehensive monitoring: Network of over 100 monitoring wells tracking saltwater movement
• Aquifer recharge: Strategic recharge of the Biscayne Aquifer with treated water during dry periods
• Alternative water supply development: Exploration of the deeper Floridan Aquifer and potential desalination capabilities for future needs
These efforts are integrated with Miami-Dade County’s broader sea level rise adaptation strategy, as saltwater intrusion represents one of the most significant long-term threats to our drinking water supply.
What improvements has Miami made to its water system?
Miami-Dade has launched one of the nation’s largest water infrastructure programs, with $13.5 billion in planned improvements:
• Treatment Plant Modernization: Upgraded facilities with state-of-the-art technology for enhanced treatment capabilities and capacity expansion
• Water Main Rehabilitation: Systematic replacement of aging pipes with focus on areas with service disruptions or water quality concerns
• Climate Resilience: Flood protection, power backup systems, and elevated infrastructure to maintain operations during extreme weather events
• Smart Water Grid: Advanced metering and monitoring systems improving leak detection and system management
• Water Reclamation: Expanded water reuse facilities to reduce ocean outfall and provide irrigation water
• Aquifer Protection: Enhanced wellfield protection zones and pollution prevention programs
These investments are guided by the county’s Integrated Water Management Plan, which considers current needs while planning for future challenges related to growth and climate change.
How is Miami preparing its water system for hurricanes?
Miami-Dade WASD has implemented comprehensive hurricane resilience measures including:
• Critical Facility Hardening: Treatment plants and pump stations reinforced to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds
• Elevated Equipment: Critical electrical and control systems raised above flood projection levels
• Emergency Power: 100% backup generator capacity at all water facilities with minimum 7-day fuel reserves
• Interconnections: Emergency connections with neighboring water systems for supply redundancy
• Storm Surge Barriers: Physical protection systems at vulnerable coastal infrastructure
• Rapid Response Teams: Specialized crews with pre-positioned equipment to quickly address system damage
• Emergency Water Distribution: Mobile water distribution capabilities and emergency water production units
These preparations ensure continued water service during tropical weather events and rapid restoration of any disruptions. Residents should still maintain emergency water supplies of one gallon per person per day for at least three days as part of standard hurricane preparedness.
Contaminants of Concern
Saltwater Intrusion
Source: Rising sea levels pushing saltwater into the Biscayne Aquifer, particularly in coastal areas during periods of low rainfall or excessive groundwater pumping
Effects: Increased sodium and chloride levels affecting taste, potential corrosion of plumbing systems, and eventual contamination of wellfields if unmanaged
Current Status: Actively monitored and controlled through strategic wellfield management and salinity barriers; western wellfields currently unaffected
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in the water; levels can increase during periods of higher temperatures or reduced water circulation
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of certain cancers and reproductive impacts with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Levels: Miami’s water system maintains TTHM levels averaging 52 parts per billion and HAA5 levels averaging 31 parts per billion, both below EPA limits EPA Limits: 80 ppb for TTHMs (Total Trihalomethanes) and 60 ppb for HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids)
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