State health representatives attend meeting in Pembroke Pines regarding city's water

Representatives aim to clear up any misinformation after complaints about water

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health and the city of Pembroke Pines have been somewhat at odds over the city's water quality.

State health representatives said they were not at Wednesday's meeting to debate results, but just help clear up any misinformation after complaints about the color of the water and test results in Pembroke Pines.

"Some commissioners are saying that the water is safe," concerned citizen Gus Arango said. "Then the Department of Health is saying, 'No, you can't say that.'"

The state Health Department took issue with a letter the city sent to its residents, saying the water was safe to drink.

Health officials, however, said testing showed the water doesn't meet proper standards, showing high levels of contaminants and saying something had to change.

"We have an independent auditor coming in to check those numbers," Mayor Frank Ortis said.

The city said it'll expedite third-party testing of the water and come up with a plan to figure out how to fix the problem.


About the Author:

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.