TapSafetyReport
B60/100

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

Serving 81,215 residents · Florida

What's In Sanford's Tap Water?

67
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.79 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
PFOS
0.005 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
chlorate
597.00 µg/L—Above Goal
Lead (90th percentile)
< 0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

13

Violations (last 5yr)

10

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

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

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

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

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

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

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment

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

When: March 1, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence 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: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform 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: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment

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

When: September 1, 2021 – September 15, 2021Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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

SANFORD, CITY OF (2 WPS)
Population Served

79,715

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL3590205

MIDWAY-CANAAN WATER ASSOCIATION (CONSEC)
Population Served

1,500

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

FL3594230

Frequently Asked Questions About Sanford Water

Is Sanford tap water safe to drink?

Sanford, Florida tap water receives a grade of B (60/100), which is considered good. Out of 67 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 4 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 Sanford's water?

Of the 67 contaminants tested in Sanford's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 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 Sanford have any water quality violations?

Yes, Sanford has 50 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Sanford?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sanford 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 Sanford's tap water come from?

Sanford's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SANFORD, CITY OF (2 WPS) and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 81,215 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Sanford's water quality score of 60/100 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 Sanford's water quality?

If you have concerns about Sanford'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 (SANFORD, CITY OF (2 WPS)) 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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