What's Really in Florida's Tap Water?

Florida tap water meets federal safety standards, but "safe" and "ideal" are two very different things. Understanding what's actually in your water is the first step toward making informed decisions about your family's health.

Chlorine and Chloramines

All municipal water in Florida is disinfected with chlorine or chloramines. While necessary for safety during distribution, these chemicals affect taste, odor, and can irritate skin and respiratory systems. Tampa Bay water typically contains 1-4 mg/L of chlorine.

Hard Water Minerals

Florida sits on limestone bedrock, which dissolves into the water supply. This gives our water high levels of calcium and magnesium - the minerals responsible for scale buildup, soap scum, and dry skin. Most Florida water tests at 15-25 grains per gallon, well into the "very hard" category.

Disinfection Byproducts

When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it creates byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These compounds are regulated by the EPA, but the allowed levels are still a concern for health-conscious families. Long-term exposure has been linked to various health concerns.

Trace Contaminants

Depending on your location, Florida tap water may contain trace levels of pesticides from agricultural runoff, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and naturally occurring metals like lead from aging pipes. While typically below EPA limits, many families prefer to remove these entirely.

What You Can Do

A comprehensive water test is the best way to know exactly what's in your specific water. Results vary significantly even between neighborhoods. At Pure Viva, we test for over 100 contaminants during our free in-home water analysis.

Knowledge is power. Book your free water test today and make informed decisions about your family's water quality.