Is Orlando's Tap Water Safe to Drink? A Guide for Central Florida Residents
If you live in Orlando or are thinking of moving here, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “Can I drink the tap water?”
The short answer is yes. According to the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Orange County Utilities, Orlando’s tap water consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state safety standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is considered safe to drink.
However, “safe” doesn’t always mean “perfect.” While the water is legally safe, it still contains additives and minerals that can affect its taste, smell, and long-term impact on your home. This guide explains what’s in your water and how you can upgrade it from simply “safe” to exceptionally pure and great-tasting.
Where Does Orlando's Water Come From?
Before deciding to drink tap water, knowing the water source is important. Most Central Florida homeowners have either municipal “city water” or “private well water.” Each has its own set of potential contaminants that require treatment.
City Water :
Florida obtains 92% of its tap water from groundwater wells. The water undergoes treatment in municipal water treatment plants to remove contaminants before being distributed to consumers. However, groundwater quality can be affected by various activities such as agriculture, industry, urban development, rainfall, storms, flooding, and climate change.
Private Well Water:
Homeowners with private wells must exercise caution as well water is untreated and may contain harmful contaminants. It is crucial to prioritize regular testing and treatment to ensure safe drinking water.
So, If It's Safe, What's Still in the Water?
While the treatment process is highly effective, several things remain in the water that you should be aware of.
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Chlorine
This is the #1 reason people dislike the taste and smell of their tap water. While essential for safety, the lingering chlorine can be unpleasant to drink and can dry out your skin and hair when you shower.
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Water Hardness
Orlando’s water is known for being hard, meaning it’s high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not a health risk, hard water is destructive to your home. It causes limescale buildup in pipes, damages expensive appliances like dishwashers and water heaters, and leaves behind stubborn spots on your dishes and shower doors.
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Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
When chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water, it can form compounds like Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). While regulated by the EPA, many homeowners prefer to remove these for ultimate peace of mind.
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Potential Contaminants (PFAS, Nitrates)
While Orlando’s water quality is excellent, trace amounts of contaminants like PFAS (from industrial products) and nitrates (from fertilizers) can sometimes be detected. Though levels are typically well below the legal limits, the goal for many families is zero exposure.
The Solution: From "Safe" to "Pristine"
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This is why so many Orlando homeowners choose to install a whole-house water filtration system. It’s not about fixing “unsafe” water; it’s about taking full control of your water quality.
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A Whole-House Carbon Filter: This is the perfect solution for removing the unpleasant taste and smell of chlorine from every tap in your home.
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A Water Softener: The only way to combat the costly, destructive effects of hard water is with a dedicated water softener.
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A Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: For the purest possible drinking water, an RO system installed under your kitchen sink removes up to 99% of all dissolved solids, including DBPs, nitrates, and PFAS.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Water Today
The best way to know exactly what’s in your tap water is with a professional analysis. Smart Water Treatment Technology offers a complimentary, no-obligation water test for all Central Florida homeowners. We’ll come to your home, test your water, and provide you with a clear, easy-to-understand report.
Don’t guess what’s in your water. Know for sure. Contact us today to schedule your free test!
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Conclusion
Yes, Florida’s tap water is legally safe to drink, but ‘safe’ doesn’t mean it’s perfect. While your water meets basic standards, its quality varies across Central Florida. It often contains high levels of chlorine that affect taste and minerals that cause destructive hard water scale. These issues can damage your home’s pipes and appliances over time.
By installing a targeted water treatment system, you take full control of your water quality. You’ll enjoy pure, great-tasting water from every tap, protect your home from costly scale buildup, and provide your family with the healthiest water possible. This investment not only improves your daily life but also saves you money on bottled water and appliance repairs.
For Central Florida residents looking to upgrade their water, Smart Water Treatment Technology offers the ideal solutions. We specialize in water softeners, whole-house carbon filtration, and reverse osmosis systems tailored for our local water. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation water consultation!