Margate Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Margate Water Treatment Plant, operating facilities at 980 NW 66th Ave. and 901 NW 66th Ave., serves approximately 58,585 residents in Margate, Broward County, Florida. All drinking water is sourced exclusively from the Biscayne Aquifer via wells, with no surface water component. The utility operates two 13.5-million-gallon-per-day clarifiers and treats water through aeration, lime softening, multi-media filtration, fluoride injection, polymer settling aid, orthophosphate addition, and chloramine disinfection.

Margate's water originates from the Biscayne Aquifer, part of the surficial aquifer system underlying Southeast Florida's coastal plain. The aquifer flows through Pleistocene-age karst limestone formations riddled with solution channels, along with sandy shell deposits and ancient coral reef limestones that allow rapid recharge from local rainfall. As water percolates through these highly permeable carbonate rocks, it dissolves substantial calcium and magnesium, producing a mineral-rich chemistry that is naturally hard prior to treatment. The shallow nature of the aquifer also makes it vulnerable to surface contamination.

Hard water in Margate leaves noticeable white scale deposits on fixtures and reduces soap lathering efficiency, causing spotting on glassware and dishes. Faucets, showerheads, and water heaters experience mineral buildup that restricts flow and shortens appliance lifespan, while laundry may feel less clean and skin can dry out. Regular vinegar descaling helps maintain appliances, and a whole-home water softener is recommended for optimal performance. The utility has reported 3 contaminants exceeding EPA health-based guidelines, including haloacetic acids (HAA5) and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs); pairing a softener with a reverse osmosis filter for drinking water is advisable to mitigate both mineral and disinfection byproduct concerns.