PEMBROKE PINES DRINKING WATER

Pembroke Pines, Florida drinking water overview (as of mid-2026 data)

Water Sources and Treatment

The City of Pembroke Pines (Public Water System ID #4061083) draws groundwater from the Biscayne Aquifer via wells typically 90–144 feet deep. This shallow, porous limestone aquifer is the primary freshwater source across much of southeastern Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade, and parts of Palm Beach counties) and is recharged largely by rainfall and the broader Everglades system.

Treatment process (city-operated plants):

• Softening
• Filtration
• Disinfection (primarily chloramine)
• Fluoride was added for dental health until June 2025; addition stopped effective July 1, 2025, under a statewide Florida ban (Senate Bill 700).

The Utilities Department aims for 100% plant efficiency 24/7, regulatory compliance, fire-flow capacity, and one of the lower utility rate structures in Southeast Florida. Population served is roughly 187,000+.

Drinking Water Quality and Test Results

The city publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The most recent available (covering 2025 data, released ~2026) states that drinking water meets all federal and state requirements, with no MCL/MRDL/AL violations.

Key 2025 results (representative levels; all well below legal limits):

• Disinfection byproducts: TTHM highest LRAA ~26 ppb (MCL 80); HAA5 highest LRAA ~23 ppb (MCL 60)
• Chloramine: RAA ~2.8 ppm (MRDL 4.0)
• Lead (tap samples): 90th percentile 0.6 ppb (Action Level 15 ppb); zero sites above AL
• Copper: 90th percentile 0.01 ppm (AL 1.3)
• Arsenic: 0.7 ppb (MCL 10)
• Nitrate: 0.05 ppm (MCL 10)
• Sodium: ~16.4 ppm
• Other inorganics (barium, antimony, etc.) and uranium very low
• No lead service lines in the system inventory

2024 CCR showed similar compliance and the same source/treatment description. Secondary sources note hard water (~10 grains per gallon). Florida DEP source water assessments identify a limited number of potential contamination sources nearby (low to moderate concern).

Independent analyses (EWG Tap Water Database, data largely through ~2023/2024) flag contaminants relative to stricter health guidelines (not legal MCLs). These include disinfection byproducts and arsenic at levels above EWG’s guidelines but under EPA legal limits.

Harmful Contaminants and Challenges

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”): Historical testing (EPA UCMR and related data) detected multiple PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, at levels above the EPA’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (4 ppt each for PFOA and PFOS) and far above EWG health guidelines. Examples from available data include PFOS around 29 ppt and higher multi-compound totals in earlier samples. This is a regional South Florida issue tied to urban, industrial, and other sources. Utilities must plan treatment upgrades for compliance timelines (generally 2029–2031 for many systems). The city’s latest CCR summary did not highlight current PFAS exceedances of legal limits, but past detections mean ongoing monitoring and potential future capital investment in advanced treatment (e.g., GAC or ion exchange) are relevant.
• Shallow Biscayne Aquifer vulnerability to surface influences (runoff, etc.).
• Aging infrastructure in some areas drives main replacement and system work.
• Hard water (scale potential).
• Occasional resident concerns about taste, odor, bills, or construction impacts.

No widespread acute contamination crises appear in recent official reporting. The city emphasizes continuous improvement and resource protection.

Boil Water Notices – Frequency

Boil water notices (usually precautionary) occur occasionally after water main breaks, pressure losses, or maintenance/construction. They are typically localized rather than city-wide and last a few days until bacteriological sampling clears. Historical examples exist (including notice-timing issues in 2014 and project-related advisories). Frequency is not unusually high for a large urban Florida system with ongoing infrastructure work; the city uses notification systems (e.g., Notify Now/Everbridge) for alerts. No evidence of chronic or monthly city-wide notices.

Well and Septic Systems – Conversion Projects and Costs

Pembroke Pines is largely on central water and sewer. Targeted septic-to-sewer work continues in remaining pockets, notably the Pines Village area. Projects include extending sewer service, replacing aging water mains and service lines, and eliminating septic tanks. Broward County has involvement in portions of the utility service area. Some phases target connections around 2027.

• CDBG grants have assisted low- and moderate-income households with sewer connections (examples of households helped in recent program years).
• Florida local governments commonly require connection when a sewer main becomes available within a certain distance; failure to connect can lead to enforcement.
• Private wells exist in limited numbers; conversion rules follow standard Florida practice (proper abandonment when connecting to public supply).

Costs: Exact current city connection/impact/tap fees are set by ordinance and adjusted periodically (e.g., connection charges increased ~4.71% effective Oct. 1, 2025). Public rate pages list ongoing usage rates but not always the full one-time connection schedule in easily extractable form. Typical total residential septic-to-sewer conversion costs in Florida (city fees + private lateral installation + septic decommissioning + restoration) often range $5,000–$20,000 depending on distance, site conditions, and whether a pump is needed. Project areas may offer financing or grants. Contact the Utilities Department for precise current fees for a specific property.

Current residential usage rates (effective ~Oct. 1, 2025):
Water: $22.18 minimum (0–3,000 gal) + $8.62 per additional 1,000 gal.
Sewer: $28.39 minimum (0–3,000 gal) + $8.62 per additional 1,000 gal.
New account charge: $20.

Water Projects and Other Notes

Ongoing work includes water meter replacement, sanitary sewer inflow/infiltration reduction, collection system and wastewater treatment plant improvements (per master planning; WWTP capacity around 9.5–10.45 MGD average/permitted), and infrastructure reliability projects. Historical studies explored advanced treatment of reclaimed water for aquifer recharge. Future PFAS treatment upgrades are a likely regional necessity.

Contacts and official sources:
Utilities Customer Service: (954) 518-9000
Official site: ppines.com (Water Quality Reports section has current and prior CCRs in English/Spanish).
Review the latest CCR directly for full tables and notes. For property-specific conversion costs, fees, or status of local projects (e.g., Pines Village), contact the city Utilities or Planning/Housing departments.

Data is drawn primarily from city CCRs, official pages, EPA-related testing summaries, and local reporting. Water quality and project details can change; verify with the city for the most current information.