B76/100
Panama City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 76,987 residents · Florida
What's In Panama City's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 317.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
BAY COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
40,848
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
FL1030050
PANAMA CITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
36,139
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
FL1030517
Frequently Asked Questions About Panama City Water
Is Panama City tap water safe to drink?
Panama City, Florida tap water receives a grade of B (76/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Panama City's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Panama City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Panama City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Panama City has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Panama City?
Panama City 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Panama City's tap water come from?
Panama City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BAY COUNTY WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 76,987 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Panama City'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. Panama City'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 Panama City's water compare to other cities in Florida?
Panama City's water quality score of 76/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Florida state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Panama City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Panama City'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 (BAY COUNTY WATER SYSTEM) 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.