C54/100
Punta Gorda Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 42,803 residents · Florida
What's In Punta Gorda's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
3
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
strontium | 3380.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
molybdenum | 196.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 23, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 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
CHARLOTTE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Population Served
1,779
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL5084082
CHARLOTTE HARBOR WATER ASSN.
Population Served
4,722
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
FL6080044
CITY OF PUNTA GORDA
Population Served
36,302
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
FL6080051
Frequently Asked Questions About Punta Gorda Water
Is Punta Gorda tap water safe to drink?
Punta Gorda, Florida tap water receives a grade of C (54/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 37 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Punta Gorda's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Punta Gorda's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), strontium, molybdenum. 1 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 Punta Gorda have any water quality violations?
Yes, Punta Gorda has 37 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MON, MR. 19 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Punta Gorda?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Punta Gorda is recommended. 1 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 Punta Gorda's tap water come from?
Punta Gorda's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CHARLOTTE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 42,803 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Punta Gorda'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. Punta Gorda'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 Punta Gorda's water compare to other cities in Florida?
Punta Gorda's water quality score of 54/100 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 Punta Gorda's water quality?
If you have concerns about Punta Gorda'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 (CHARLOTTE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION) 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.