City of Homestead

The City continuously monitors water quality before and after treatment. Regular testing occurs throughout the distribution system to ensure residents receive water that meets all regulatory standards. All laboratory results are submitted to the Florida Department of Health for verification.

Our testing protocols measure the concentration of various substances in your water. Many components are measured annually, quarterly, monthly, or even daily. The 2017 Water Quality Measurements Table shows results for detected substances, along with the maximum levels permitted by both the EPA and State of Florida.

Source Water May Contain Naturally Occurring Substances
Like all water sources, the Biscayne Aquifer contains materials that aren't completely removed during treatment. As water moves over land or through soil, it dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. These may include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria) from sewage facilities, septic systems, livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic substances (salts and metals) that occur naturally or come from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive substances that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

Regulatory agencies establish limits for contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. All water sources, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Vulnerable Populations Should Take Extra Precautions
Some individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants than others. People with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water. For guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Important Lead Information
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water typically comes from service lines and home plumbing components rather than the water source itself. When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The CDC provides essential information about waterborne diseases and prevention strategies. Their resources help residents understand potential health impacts from various water contaminants and offer practical advice for protecting household members, especially vulnerable populations like children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.