TapSafetyReport
C44/100

Miami Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 2,424,760 residents · Florida

What's In Miami's Tap Water?

73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOS
0.030 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOA
0.011 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
chlorate
270.00 µg/L—Above Goal
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

6

Violations (last 5yr)

4

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

MDWASA - MAIN SYSTEM
Population Served

2,377,460

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL4130871

MDWASA/REX UTILITIES
Population Served

45,200

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL4131202

AMERICANA VILLAGE
Population Served

2,100

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL4131403

Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Water

Is Miami tap water safe to drink?

Miami, Florida tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 143 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Miami's water?

Of the 73 contaminants tested in Miami's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Miami have any water quality violations?

Yes, Miami has 143 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 55 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Miami?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Miami is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Miami's tap water come from?

Miami's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MDWASA - MAIN SYSTEM and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 2,424,760 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Miami's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Miami's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Miami's water compare to other cities in Florida?

Miami's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Florida state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Miami's water quality?

If you have concerns about Miami's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (MDWASA - MAIN SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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