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1. My cold water tap is coming out brown, what do I do?

This problem is usually caused by planned or unplanned work to the water distribution system causing sediment (calcium carbonate) in the pipes to shift (quite often this produces a dark red or brown color). When such a disturbance occurs, the water may appear unpleasing but it is not harmful to health, and can be cleared by running the first incoming cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) until it clears. If the discoloration does not clear, contact the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

2. My cold water tap has a foul odor?

This is a common problem but is usually not an issue caused by the water itself but one caused by bacteria growth in household plumbing fixtures, in most cases the “p-trap” is the culprit. To determine whether the odor is in fact coming from the cold water tap (which is rare), perform the following sniff test:

• Fill a clean glass cup with cold tap water from the faucet at the area in question.
• Exit the area of foul odor with the glass of water.
• Now take a sniff of the water in the glass. If the water in the glass has no objectionable odor, then the problem is likely caused by another source and not the cold water tap.

Contact

If the water in the glass has an objectionable odor, please contact the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

3. How often is our drinking water tested?

The City of North Miami’s drinking water is tested around the clock, including hourly, monthly, quarterly, and annually, depending on the parameter in question. Certain contaminants are tested for more frequently than others, as set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act. For example, we currently analyze 15 parameters of water quality every hour and test over 100 sample sites throughout the city monthly.

Consumer Confidence Report

Every community water supplier must provide an annual report, called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to its customers. The report provides information on your drinking water quality, including the water's source, contaminants found in the water, and how consumers can get involved in protecting and conserving drinking water.

4. What should I do if I want my household water tested?

The United States has one of the safest public water supplies in the world and the City of North Miami routinely meets all county, state, and federal guidelines. While the City of North Miami has the utmost confidence in the water it produces and distributes, it is not responsible for household plumbing and therefore only tests the water at the service connection. However, if you are concerned about contaminants in your home’s water system, contact the Florida Department of Health laboratory website to obtain a list of certified laboratories. Depending on how many contaminants you wish to test for, a water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline can give you information on testing methods.

Contact

If you want the water tested at the service connection, contact Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

5. Why is there fluoride in my water?

Most natural water supplies contain some naturally occurring fluoride. Nevertheless, many communities, including the City of North Miami, add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health and to remain in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health guidelines.

Current Guidelines on Fluoride

The most current guideline from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), the amount where fluoride is shown to be beneficial to the public. The EPA sets levels of protection based on the best available science to prevent potential health problems and the current maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the EPA for fluoride is 4 mg/L. The MCL is the maximum amount allowed in a public water system.

For more information on fluoride in drinking water, we encourage you to visit the EPA website for information about fluoride. Additional information can be found on the websites for Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

6. How can I conserve water?

The City of North Miami is committed to helping residents conserve water. Using water wisely helps conserve our wetlands and helps reduce water bills. To get started, here are some water conservation tips:

Indoors

• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. Each flush wastes water.
• Check toilets and faucets for leaks and fix any problems.
• Run your dishwasher only when it's full.
• Wash only full loads of laundry or use the proper water level setting for your load size.
• Don't leave the water running when brushing your teeth or shaving. With the tap running  at full force, shaving takes 20 gallons of water, teeth-brushing takes 10.
• Take shorter showers or use less water in your bath. A full bathtub requires about 36  gallons of water. A five-minute shower using a water-conserving showerhead will use just  15 to 25 gallons.
• Consider installing water-efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads as a water-saving  investment. Look into the shower head exchange program.

Outside

• Improve your soil by working organic materials, such as peat moss or compost, into the soil  to help retain water. Consider aerating your yard to help it retain water.
• To reduce evaporation, water your lawn and gardens in the early morning or evening.
• Never water the sidewalk, driveway or street. Make sure the sprinkler aim is limited to the  lawn or garden.
• Apply mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

Contact

For more information on water use and conservation, visit the websites of the Florida Water Management District and Miami-Dade County.

7. What is the shower head exchange program?

Replacing your showerhead with a new high efficiency fixture can significantly reduce your water use. Any City of North Miami resident can bring an old showerhead to the following locations and receive a brand new high efficiency fixture available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm:

• North Miami City Hall-Utility Billing Office:
  776 NE 125 Street
  First floor
  North Miami, FL 33161
• North Miami City Hall-Public Works Administration Office:
  776 NE 125 Street
  Third floor
  North Miami, FL 33161
• Utility Operations Center Office:
  1815 NE 150 Street
  North Miami, FL 33161