Hard Water Minerals (Calcium & Magnesium): Florida’s limestone bedrock makes water notoriously hard. This leads to limescale buildup, reducing appliance efficiency, increasing energy bills, and causing dry skin and dull hair.

Iron & Manganese: Common in well water, these cause rust-colored stains and can foster bacterial growth.

Sulfur (Hydrogen Sulfide): The “rotten egg” smell indicates this corrosive gas, which can damage plumbing.

Radiological Contaminants (Radium, Uranium, Radon): Naturally occurring elements linked to increased cancer risk, detected in various county reports.

Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Barium, Chromium): These can leach from natural deposits or old pipes. Even at “compliant” levels, they pose long-term health risks like cancer, neurological issues, liver damage, and organ damage.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs – TTHMs, HAAs): Formed when disinfectants react with organic matter. These are associated with increased cancer risk, liver/kidney problems, and reproductive complications. While often below federal limits, they frequently exceed stricter health guidelines.

Chlorine & Chloramines: Essential for disinfection, but they cause unpleasant tastes/odors, and can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, especially during showers.

Nitrates & Pesticides: From agricultural runoff and septic systems, nitrates pose a particular danger to infants and pregnant women, as they can affect oxygen transport.

Emerging Contaminants (PFAS – “Forever Chemicals”): Human-made chemicals found in many products, they accumulate in water sources. New EPA regulations are in place, but utilities have years to comply, leaving you exposed in the interim.