D34/100
West Palm Beach Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 782,480 residents · Florida
What's In West Palm Beach's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.012 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 480.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Missed required monitoring deadline
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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: February 1, 2024 – February 28, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Missed required monitoring deadline
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2023 – December 18, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: December 1, 2023 – December 18, 2023Rule: Total Coliform 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
WEST PALM BEACH WTP
Population Served
132,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
FL4501559
PALM BEACH COUNTY WATER UTILITIES
Population Served
618,746
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL4504393
PBCWUD - LAKE REGION WTP - SYSTEM 11
Population Served
31,734
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL4505005
Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach Water
Is West Palm Beach tap water safe to drink?
West Palm Beach, Florida tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 77 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in West Palm Beach's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in West Palm Beach's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, 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 West Palm Beach have any water quality violations?
Yes, West Palm Beach has 77 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, Other, RPT. 23 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in West Palm Beach?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach's tap water come from?
West Palm Beach's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by WEST PALM BEACH WTP and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 782,480 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is West Palm Beach'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. West Palm Beach'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 West Palm Beach's water compare to other cities in Florida?
West Palm Beach's water quality score of 34/100 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 West Palm Beach's water quality?
If you have concerns about West Palm Beach'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 (WEST PALM BEACH WTP) 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.