Yes, you can generally drink tap water in Miami because it meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and passes the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s regular safety testing. However, the water can contain low levels of contaminants like PFAS, disinfection byproducts, lead from older plumbing, and microplastics, so many residents prefer to use a home filter for extra protection and better taste.

Overall safety

Miami’s tap water comes mainly from the Biscayne Aquifer and is treated and monitored to stay within federal legal limits for about 90 regulated contaminants, which makes it legally safe to drink for most healthy adults. Local water quality reports and independent reviews consistently describe it as compliant with EPA rules, similar to many other large U.S. cities.

Potential concerns

Studies and nonprofit analyses report detectable levels of PFAS (“forever chemicals”), disinfection byproducts, and occasional lead from building pipes, generally below legal limits but above some stricter health-based guidelines. As water moves through older plumbing, it may also pick up metals or sediments, and the use of chloramine disinfectant can affect taste and odor even when the water is still considered safe.

Practical advice

For most visitors and residents without specific health issues, drinking tap water in Miami is considered acceptable, especially in modern buildings with maintained plumbing. For infants, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, or anyone who wants to minimize long-term exposure to trace contaminants, using a certified carbon or reverse-osmosis filter and checking local boil-water advisories during or after storms is a prudent extra step.