C56/100

Palmetto Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 13,446 residents · Florida

What's In Palmetto's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
3
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
strontium
2400.00 µg/LAbove Goal
chlorate
320.00 µg/LAbove Goal
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

11

Violations (last 5yr)

8

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue initial public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue initial public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue initial public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTUnresolved

Maximum Contaminant Level Violation

When: October 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov

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

CITY OF PALMETTO WATER DEPT.
Population Served

13,446

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

FL6410322

Frequently Asked Questions About Palmetto Water

Is Palmetto tap water safe to drink?

Palmetto, Florida tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 23 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Palmetto's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Palmetto's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), strontium, chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Palmetto have any water quality violations?

Yes, Palmetto has 23 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Palmetto?

Palmetto water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 3 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Palmetto's tap water come from?

Palmetto's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF PALMETTO WATER DEPT.. The system serves approximately 13,446 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Palmetto'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. Palmetto'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 Palmetto's water compare to other cities in Florida?

Palmetto's water quality score of 56/100 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 Palmetto's water quality?

If you have concerns about Palmetto'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 (CITY OF PALMETTO WATER DEPT.) 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.

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