New Laws, New Limits: What Florida’s 2026 Water Regulations Mean for Your Home
As we ring in 2026, Central Florida homeowners are facing more than just the usual New Year’s resolutions. A wave of new state-wide water regulations is taking effect this month, alongside one of the most significant dry spells our region has seen in years.
At PureWay of Daytona, we’ve been tracking these legislative shifts since late 2025. Whether you’re on city water in Daytona Beach or a private well in DeLand, here is what you need to know about the changing landscape of Florida water.
1. The 2026 "Safe Waterways" Mandate
Starting this year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has implemented stricter oversight on municipal water treatment. While the goal is "cleaner water," the immediate result for many residents is an increase in disinfection byproducts.
To meet new bacterial safety standards, many local plants are "cranking up" the use of chloramines. While effective at killing pathogens, these chemicals can leave your water smelling like a swimming pool and can be harsh on skin, hair, and even your home’s plumbing.
2. New Restrictions on Water Softener Drainage
In an effort to protect our fragile springs and the Floridan Aquifer, 2026 marks the beginning of new limits on salt-based water softener discharge. High levels of sodium and chloride in septic systems are becoming a major environmental concern.
The PureWay Difference: Our systems are ahead of the curve. Because PureWay uses salt-free conditioning technology, our customers are already compliant with these new environmental standards—no salt, no electricity, and zero harmful discharge into our local ecosystem.
3. Severe Drought & Saltwater Intrusion
As of late December 2025, the U.S. Drought Monitor has placed parts of Central Florida under "Severe Drought" status. With rainfall nearly 13 inches below average, the pressure on our aquifer has never been higher.
In coastal areas like Ormond Beach and New Smyrna, this low water table is triggering saltwater intrusion. When the fresh water in the aquifer drops, salt water from the Atlantic seeps in to fill the void. This can lead to "brackish" tasting tap water and a spike in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
4. Mandatory Well Testing for Home Sales
If you are planning to buy or sell a home in 2026, take note: New proposals suggest that private well testing may soon become a mandatory part of the real estate disclosure process in nitrate-impacted areas. This is to ensure that "Forever Chemicals" (PFAS) and agricultural runoff aren't being passed on to unsuspecting buyers.
Don't Wait for the City to Catch Up
The "Golden Goose" of Florida—our pristine natural water—is under stress. While the state works on 20-year infrastructure plans, your family needs a solution today.
Why Central Florida is Choosing PureWay in 2026:
PFAS Protection: Our medical-grade systems are specifically tested to remove 99.99% of "Forever Chemicals."
Drought-Proof Purity: Even as city water sources change due to drought, our 10-stage technology ensures your water quality remains identical every single day.
Maintenance-Free: Our systems are designed for the "set it and forget it" lifestyle—no salt bags to lug and no service contracts required.
Protect your home before the dry season intensifies. [Click here to schedule your FREE 2026 Water Analysis] or call the PureWay team at 386-319-2337 to speak with a local water expert.