South Miami Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.5 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
749.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.66
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In South Miami, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In South Miami | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 4.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -63% |
| Water Heater | 5.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -62% |
Regional Water Comparison
How South Miami compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Miami, Florida | 248 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Coral Gables, Florida | 149 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Glenvar Heights, Florida | 131.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Coconut Grove, Florida | 107.5 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Kendall, Florida | 260 mg/L | 10.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How South Miami compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Miami | 248 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes South Miami's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
South Miami, Florida, in Miami-Dade County — a Miami-Dade County city adjacent to Coral Gables and Pinecrest in southeast Florida — receives its water from the Miami-Dade Water, drawing from the Biscayne Aquifer (Miami-Dade County) through the southeast Florida distribution.
The very hard 248 mg/L hardness and TDS of 749.7 mg/L reflect the southeast Florida Miami-Dade County Biscayne Aquifer supply's very hard calcareous character — identical to Escanaba MI and Woodhaven MI in hardness (all 248 mg/L), though from a completely different geological source; the Pleistocene Miami Limestone highly calcareous produces very hard water throughout south Florida (compare Wilton Manors FL: 231/680 in Broward County comparable; South Miami slightly harder from the Miami-Dade deeper Biscayne draw). The Biscayne Aquifer at Miami-Dade County — Pleistocene Miami Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Pleistocene Fort Thompson Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Holocene coastal saltwater intrusion (chloride — TDS contributor).
At 248 mg/L with TDS 750, South Miami's water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 10.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Miami-Dade County southeast Florida urban-industrial corridor contribute to South Miami's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: South Miami in Miami-Dade County is served by Miami-Dade Water drawing from the Biscayne Aquifer — the Miami-Dade aquifer includes Pleistocene Miami Limestone (highly calcareous) and Pleistocene Fort Thompson Formation (calcareous) — FL Miami-Dade County Biscayne Aquifer Pleistocene highly calcareous supply produces very hard water at 248 mg/L with TDS 749.7 mg/L.