D26/100
Palm Bay Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 140,750 residents · Florida
What's In Palm Bay's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
3
Above EPA Goals
5 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
strontium | 2500.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
chlorate | 637.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
PALM BAY, CITY OF
Population Served
140,750
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3050442
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Bay Water
Is Palm Bay tap water safe to drink?
Palm Bay, Florida tap water receives a grade of D (26/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 17 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Palm Bay's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Palm Bay's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), strontium, chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 5 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Palm Bay have any water quality violations?
Yes, Palm Bay has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MCL, MR. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Palm Bay?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Palm Bay is recommended. 2 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 Palm Bay's tap water come from?
Palm Bay's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PALM BAY, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 140,750 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Palm Bay'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. Palm Bay'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 Palm Bay's water compare to other cities in Florida?
Palm Bay's water quality score of 26/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Florida state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Palm Bay's water quality?
If you have concerns about Palm Bay'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 (PALM BAY, CITY OF) 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.