Miami Dade County, Florida: drinking water report. Miami-Dade County draws its drinking water almost entirely from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow
Miami-Dade County draws its drinking water almost entirely from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow limestone aquifer that sits just below the surface across much of South Florida. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department serves approximately 2.8 million residents, making it one of the largest water utilities in the southeastern United States. The Biscayne Aquifer is extraordinarily productive but also extraordinarily vulnerable – its porous limestone structure means surface contamination can reach drinking water wells within days, not years.
Saltwater intrusion is the defining water quality challenge in Miami-Dade. As sea levels rise and groundwater is pumped, saltwater from the Atlantic pushes further into the freshwater aquifer. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented the saltwater front advancing westward across the county, and several wellfields have already been relocated or abandoned due to rising chloride levels.
On PFAS, the EPA's UCMR5 data shows detections at sampling points across the county's system. Miami-Dade's proximity to Homestead Air Reserve Base and the former Opa-locka Airport adds military PFAS sources to the mix. Florida does not have state-specific PFAS standards, relying on federal EPA guidelines. According to a 2024 Florida Department of Environmental Protection survey, 23 public water systems in the county reported at least one PFAS compound above detection limits.
The Biscayne Aquifer's shallow depth means contamination events can affect water quality rapidly. We recommend checking your water regularly, not just once, since conditions can shift with seasonal pumping patterns and storm events.
For PFAS concerns, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective household solution. For saltwater intrusion-related taste and mineral issues, RO also helps. Our water filter guide covers which systems handle both scenarios. Pull your detailed report for multi-year trend data, and visit our Florida page for statewide patterns.