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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 96 cities in Florida
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Florida
36,068 residents
112,641 residents
92,307 residents
87,103 residents
25,463 residents
69,451 residents
69,319 residents
153,067 residents
111,640 residents
45,425 residents
63,591 residents
45,117 residents
56,979 residents
74,138 residents
41,062 residents
65,449 residents
54,873 residents
64,340 residents
61,051 residents
49,106 residents
40,242 residents
32,305 residents
24,649 residents
16,341 residents
43,676 residents
74,707 residents
45,406 residents
204,851 residents
117,415 residents
72,647 residents
46,696 residents
41,217 residents
37,642 residents
24,668 residents
442,241 residents
32,939 residents
35,025 residents
196,169 residents
43,021 residents
182,760 residents
43,223 residents
15,450 residents
307,573 residents
54,312 residents
46,231 residents
28,502 residents
105,691 residents
22,055 residents
22,088 residents
24,439 residents
71,220 residents
97,422 residents
57,755 residents
51,095 residents
64,842 residents
43,245 residents
97,495 residents
81,369 residents
49,219 residents
80,380 residents
55,698 residents
60,935 residents
47,433 residents
25,117 residents
80,737 residents
41,313 residents
84,754 residents
89,800 residents
112,046 residents
58,964 residents
71,897 residents
223,109 residents
134,721 residents
171,178 residents
53,486 residents
58,439 residents
11,379 residents
384,959 residents
26,690 residents
48,789 residents
65,070 residents
117,292 residents
54,842 residents
84,678 residents
37,923 residents
93,692 residents
72,410 residents
62,468 residents
258,308 residents
119,760 residents
133,759 residents
34,670 residents
949,611 residents
194,016 residents
94,366 residents
17,203 residents
Florida's unique geology creates distinctive water quality characteristics. The state sits atop the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world, which provides drinking water for most Floridians. However, the porous limestone bedrock makes groundwater vulnerable to contamination, and saltwater intrusion poses challenges in coastal areas.
Based on our analysis of 96 cities in Florida, the average water quality score is 78/100. 21 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Safety Harbor with a score of 47/100, while Dunedin has the most room for improvement at 96/100.
Approximately 90% of Florida's drinking water comes from groundwater, primarily the Floridan Aquifer. Surface water from lakes and rivers supplements supply in some regions. Desalination is increasingly used in coastal communities facing saltwater intrusion. Springs throughout the state are fed by the same aquifer system.
These contaminants have been detected in various Florida water systems
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversees drinking water programs. The state has been addressing PFAS contamination near military installations and working to reduce nutrient pollution affecting springs and aquifers. Florida requires regular testing and reporting for all public water systems.
Residents in coastal areas should be aware of potential saltwater intrusion affecting their water supply. Areas with high septic tank density may have elevated nitrate levels. Some central Florida communities have naturally occurring radium that requires treatment. Hurricane damage and flooding can compromise water quality temporarily.
Floridians should understand their local water source and treatment processes. Reverse osmosis effectively addresses most Florida water quality concerns including sodium and radium. Carbon filters help with taste and chlorine removal. After hurricanes, follow boil water notices carefully and flush plumbing systems before resuming normal use.
Water quality in Florida varies by location. Our analysis shows an average score of 78/100 across 96 cities, with 21 cities showing potential concerns. We recommend checking your specific city's water quality report and considering filtration if needed.
The most common water quality concerns in Florida include sodium and chloride (saltwater intrusion), nitrates (septic systems and agriculture), radium (naturally occurring). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 21 cities in Florida showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Florida are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Florida water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Florida. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Florida city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Safety Harbor has the highest water quality score in Florida at 47/100 (Grade F). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Florida page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Florida are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area