Biscayne Aquifer

Aquifer · Southeast

Serves 21 cities in our database · ~6,962,928 residents

244
Avg Hardness (PPM)
79
Avg PFAS (ppt)
4.9
Avg Lead (ppb)
21
Cities Served
Soft
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
244 PPM Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 244 PPM TDS 374 PPM PFAS 79 ppt Lead 4.9 ppb Chlorine 1.5 mg/L Nitrate 0.1 mg/L

About Biscayne Aquifer

The Biscayne Aquifer is the primary water source for the Miami metropolitan area and most of southeast Florida. It is one of the most permeable aquifers in the world — which makes it productive but also vulnerable to contamination.

Geography & Hydrology

The aquifer underlies about 4,000 square miles of southeast Florida, extending from Palm Beach County south through the Keys. It sits just below the surface — in some areas only 10 to 20 feet deep — making it highly susceptible to contamination from surface activities.

How Biscayne Aquifer Water Is Treated

Lime softening is universal due to extreme hardness from limestone dissolution. Many utilities are transitioning to membrane treatment (nanofiltration or reverse osmosis) to address emerging contaminants. Miami-Dade uses ozone and biologically active filtration.

Across the 21 cities we track, water from Biscayne Aquifer averages 244 PPM hardness (Very Hard), ranging from 204 to 280 PPM. This is very hard water - most homeowners benefit from a water softener.

PFAS concern: Cities supplied by Biscayne Aquifer average 79 ppt PFAS, exceeding the 2024 EPA limit of 4 ppt. An NSF P473 certified filter is recommended for drinking water.

Current Challenges

Saltwater intrusion from sea level rise and over-pumping, PFAS contamination, agricultural runoff from the Everglades Agricultural Area, and the shallow depth making it vulnerable to surface contamination.

Cities Supplied by Biscayne Aquifer

Water quality varies by city due to local treatment, distribution infrastructure, and source blending.

Miami, FL

260 PPM · Extremely Hard 2,377,460 residents

Doral, FL

245 PPM · Very Hard 2,377,460 residents

Hialeah, FL

204 PPM · Very Hard 238,000 residents

Pembroke Pines, FL

222 PPM · Very Hard 187,459 residents

Pembroke Pines West, FL

260 PPM · Extremely Hard 187,459 residents

Fort Lauderdale, FL

240 PPM · Very Hard 185,163 residents

Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL

260 PPM · Extremely Hard 185,163 residents

Miami Beach, FL

280 PPM · Extremely Hard 180,000 residents

Hollywood, FL

241 PPM · Very Hard 147,566 residents

Boca Raton, FL

249 PPM · Very Hard 130,000 residents

Miramar, FL

227 PPM · Very Hard 127,700 residents

Boynton Beach, FL

245 PPM · Very Hard 112,000 residents

Plantation, FL

225 PPM · Very Hard 85,496 residents

Sunrise, FL

230 PPM · Very Hard 79,550 residents

Coral Springs, FL

247 PPM · Very Hard 65,000 residents

Tamarac, FL

250 PPM · Extremely Hard 63,793 residents

Margate, FL

232 PPM · Very Hard 62,254 residents

Deerfield Beach, FL

260 PPM · Extremely Hard 62,000 residents

Lauderhill, FL

235 PPM · Very Hard 55,000 residents

Coconut Creek, FL

240 PPM · Very Hard 54,000 residents

Pinecrest, FL

270 PPM · Extremely Hard 405 residents

Recommended for Biscayne Aquifer Water

Based on average water quality across 21 cities supplied by Biscayne Aquifer.

Water Softener SpringWell SS1 ~$1,495 Scale Remover CLR Calcium Lime Rust ~$10 PFAS Filter Clearly Filtered Pitcher ~$90

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission on purchases. Recommendations based on water quality data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Biscayne Aquifer water safe to drink?
Water from Biscayne Aquifer meets EPA safety standards in all served cities. However, average PFAS levels of 79 ppt exceed the 2024 EPA health guideline. A certified water filter is recommended for drinking water.
Why is Biscayne Aquifer water so hard?
Biscayne Aquifer water picks up dissolved calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral formations it passes through underground. At 244 PPM average, this makes it very hard.
How many people drink Biscayne Aquifer water?
Biscayne Aquifer supplies drinking water to 21 cities in our database, serving approximately 6,962,928 residents. The largest cities include Miami, FL; Doral, FL; Hialeah, FL.
Do I need a water filter for Biscayne Aquifer water?
Yes. With PFAS averaging 79 ppt, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended. Look for NSF P473 certification.