Water Quality in Pembroke Pines, FL

Pembroke Pines's water has very hard water (222 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

City of Pembroke Pines · Source: Biscayne Aquifer · Serves 171,178 residents

222
Hardness (PPM)
384
TDS (PPM)
1.5
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
222 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 222 PPM TDS 384 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.5 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Pembroke Pines Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard waterPFAS

Very hard water from South Florida's shallow Biscayne Aquifer.

What Pembroke Pines's Water Means for Your Home

Pembroke Pines residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 222 PPM (13 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from underground limestone and mineral formations. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 222 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Pembroke Pines homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, Pembroke Pines's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.5 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)222 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids384 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.5 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Pembroke Pines Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 222 PPM (13 GPG), Pembroke Pines's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Pembroke Pines household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About Pembroke Pines's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Pembroke Pines

Water Source: Biscayne Aquifer

Population Served: 171,178

Hardness: 222 PPM (13 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Pembroke Pines. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Pembroke Pines to Other Florida Cities

Jacksonville

209 PPM · Very Hard

Miami

260 PPM · Very Hard

Tampa

201 PPM · Very Hard

Orlando

200 PPM · Very Hard

St. Petersburg

215 PPM · Very Hard

Hialeah

204 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Pembroke Pines Water

Is Pembroke Pines tap water safe to drink?
Pembroke Pines's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Pembroke Pines?
Yes. At 222 PPM (13 GPG), Pembroke Pines's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Pembroke Pines home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Pembroke Pines?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Pembroke Pines's water come from?
Pembroke Pines's drinking water is sourced from Biscayne Aquifer and treated by City of Pembroke Pines. Very hard water from South Florida's shallow Biscayne Aquifer..
What is the hardness of Pembroke Pines water in grains per gallon?
Pembroke Pines's water hardness is 13 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 222 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Pembroke Pines water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 13 GPG, Pembroke Pines's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Pembroke Pines water safe for babies and infants?
Pembroke Pines's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Pembroke Pines household per year?
At 222 PPM, hard water costs the average Pembroke Pines household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Pembroke Pines households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Pembroke Pines Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.