C55/100
Ocala Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 99,946 residents · Florida
What's In Ocala's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHxS | 0.041 µg/L | 0.010 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.039 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ANNEX
Population Served
2,974
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3420386
MARION CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Population Served
2,700
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3420387
OCALA, CITY OF (2 WTPS)
Population Served
66,176
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3420922
ROLLING GREENS VILLAGE
Population Served
2,498
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3421098
BAHIA OAKS (CONSEC.)
Population Served
1,200
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL6420103
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Population Served
22,383
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL6424619
OCALA PALMS (CONSEC.)
Population Served
2,015
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
FL6424785
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocala Water
Is Ocala tap water safe to drink?
Ocala, Florida tap water receives a grade of C (55/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 194 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Ocala's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Ocala's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Ocala have any water quality violations?
Yes, Ocala has 194 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, RPT, TT. 45 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Ocala?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Ocala is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Ocala's tap water come from?
Ocala's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ANNEX and 6 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 99,946 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Ocala's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Ocala's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Ocala's water compare to other cities in Florida?
Ocala's water quality score of 55/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Florida state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Ocala's water quality?
If you have concerns about Ocala's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ANNEX) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.