Fort Lauderdale water upgrade brings temporary color change, officials assure safety
Some Fort Lauderdale residents are uneasy after noticing their tap water looks different, but city officials say the temporary change is part of a major infrastructure upgrade and the water remains safe to drink.
Naturally tinted water
“South Florida is built on the Everglades and as part of that all that vegetation decays and kind of tints the water a yellow-brown color so its natural, its organic. Every utility in this area draws its water from this water source so they have the same issues with it,” said Daniel Fisher, senior project manager with Fort Lauderdale public works.
Fisher emphasized that the water quality continues to meet safety standards.
“The city has historically and currently is meeting all primary drinking water standards and that’s required by the state and the city tests the water every single day to make sure that we’re meeting those goals,” Fisher said.
Residents react
While the city stresses safety, not everyone is convinced.
“I feel like its probably reasonably that it is safe, but you know obviously clearer would be better,” said Wendy Rolon.
“I’ll probably just drink bottled water, just to be safe,” said Jon Wade.
Work underway
The discoloration comes as crews prepare the city’s existing treatment system for a new facility, which is about halfway complete. The project involves flushing raw water piping to remove sand, grit and other debris. That process requires drawing from wells with “naturally higher organic content,” according to the city.
Fisher said the new facility is designed to deliver clear tap water and withstand Category 5 hurricane winds. Once complete, the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center and Prospect Wellfield improvements are expected to provide higher-quality service to homes and businesses.
Looking ahead
Officials said the temporary appearance issues will be resolved once the new plant is operational in fall 2026. The city has called the project a critical step in modernizing Fort Lauderdale’s water infrastructure.
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