Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle, but when it comes to tap water, many residents and visitors wonder if it is safe to drink. According to the City of Fort Lauderdale's annual Water Quality Report, Fort Lauderdale continues to provide drinking water that meets or exceeds local, state, and federal requirements. The report is based on approximately 100,000 tests performed on the city's drinking water in state-certified laboratories. However, there are some contaminants in the water that have been detected above health guidelines, including chromium (hexavalent) and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). These contaminants can pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. It is recommended to filter contaminants out of the tap water using solid activated carbon blocks or granular activated carbon filters. Reverse osmosis systems are also an option, although they can be expensive and waste a significant amount of water.

Key Takeaways:

Fort Lauderdale's tap water meets or exceeds local, state, and federal requirements.
Contaminants such as chromium (hexavalent) and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) have been detected in the water above health guidelines.
These contaminants can pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer.
Filtering tap water using solid activated carbon blocks or granular activated carbon filters is recommended.
Reverse osmosis systems are an alternative, but they can be expensive and waste water.

Fort Lauderdale tap water quality and health risks

The City of Fort Lauderdale provides an annual Water Quality Report that assures residents and visitors of the safety and compliance of the tap water, but it's essential to understand the quality of the water and potential health risks associated with it.

According to the report, Fort Lauderdale's tap water meets or exceeds the standards set by local, state, and federal regulations. The city conducts approximately 100,000 tests on its drinking water in state-certified laboratories to ensure its quality. However, there are some contaminants that have been detected above health guidelines.

Two of the prominent contaminants found in the tap water are chromium (hexavalent) and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). These substances can pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. To address these concerns, it is recommended to use tap water filtration systems, such as solid activated carbon blocks or granular activated carbon filters. These filtration systems are effective in removing contaminants and improving the overall quality of the tap water.

Another option to consider is reverse osmosis systems, although they tend to be more expensive and can result in water wastage. These systems use a membrane to remove impurities, providing an additional layer of filtration for your tap water.

It's important to note that while tap water in Fort Lauderdale is generally safe to drink, taking extra precautions to filter out contaminants can provide added peace of mind and potentially reduce health risks. Regular tap water testing can also help ensure the ongoing safety and quality of the water you consume.