What’s Really in Florida Tap Water?
What’s Really in Florida Tap Water?
Understanding Hard Water and PFAS Contamination
Florida is known for its sunshine, beautiful beaches, and lush landscapes—but what flows from your tap might not be as pure as the scenery outside. Whether you live in Zephyrhills, Tampa, or Orlando, chances are you’ve noticed something “off” about your water. Maybe it leaves spots on your glasses, a metallic taste in your mouth, or a film on your skin after a shower. These are signs that your water deserves a closer look.
Let’s unpack what’s really in Florida’s tap water—and why understanding hard water and PFAS contamination is essential for your family’s health.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water simply means your water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals—mostly calcium and magnesium. Florida’s water comes primarily from underground aquifers, and as it travels through limestone-rich ground, it naturally absorbs these minerals.
While hard water isn’t harmful to drink, it can cause several issues in your home:
Dry skin and hair after showers
Soap scum buildup on bathroom fixtures
Scale buildup inside pipes and appliances
Reduced lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters
In short, hard water makes your home work harder—and that means higher costs and lower comfort.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are man-made chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body.
Why it matters in Florida:
PFAS contamination has been found in Florida’s groundwater and aquifers, affecting public and private wells.
Exposure has been linked to serious health risks, including hormone disruption, immune system effects, and increased cancer risk.
Standard water softeners and many off-the-shelf filters don’t remove PFAS effectively.
The EPA has recently tightened its advisory levels on PFAS in drinking water—which means what used to be “safe” may no longer meet today’s standards.
How to Protect Your Family
Understanding what’s in your tap water is the first step. The second is taking action:
Test Your Water: A professional water test can identify the exact contaminants in your home supply. Cleartap.co offers free water quality testing for local Florida homeowners.
Install Targeted Filtration: Whole-home filtration systems can be customized to remove hard water minerals and PFAS specifically—unlike basic filters.
Maintain Your System: Regular professional maintenance ensures long-term performance and peace of mind.
The Bigger Picture: The Floridan Aquifer
Most of Florida’s water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world. But it’s also vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff, septic systems, and industrial chemicals. Clean water starts with understanding where it comes from—and protecting it at the tap.
✅ Florida tap water isn’t just “hard”—it can contain a mix of minerals and contaminants that affect your health, home, and wallet. By learning the facts about hard water and PFAS, you can make informed decisions to protect your family and improve your water quality.
👉 Schedule your free water test with Cleartap.co today and take the first step toward clean, safe water you can trust.
