TapSafetyReport
C57/100

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

Serving 243,576 residents · Florida

What's In Winter Haven's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOA
0.006 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOS
0.005 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
chlorate
1000.00 µg/L—Above Goal
Lead (90th percentile)
0.007 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

23

Violations (last 5yr)

6

Unresolved

1

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

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 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: July 1, 2024Rule: 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: July 1, 2024Rule: 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: July 1, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov
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: February 1, 2024 – August 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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: January 1, 2024 – August 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence 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 – August 29, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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: December 1, 2023 – August 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence 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: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: 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: October 1, 2023 – August 29, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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: October 1, 2023 – August 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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: October 1, 2023 – August 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence 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: July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

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

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence 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: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

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, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence 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: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: 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: April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Maximum Contaminant Level Violation

When: September 1, 2021 – September 14, 2021Rule: 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

EAST WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

5,052

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL3531744

BABSON PARK
Population Served

2,161

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6530098

NORTHEAST
Population Served

60,557

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6530617

SOUTHWEST/POLK COUNTY UTILITY
Population Served

39,209

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6530852

SOUTHEAST
Population Served

2,828

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6531742

WINTER HAVEN WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

87,537

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6531992

NORTHWEST
Population Served

28,082

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6532348

FOXWOOD LAKE ESTATES
Population Served

1,816

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

FL6532587

CENTRAL
Population Served

13,595

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6534609

BRADLEY JUNCTION, TOWN OF
Population Served

1,260

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6535304

WAVERLY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

1,479

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL6535707

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Haven Water

Is Winter Haven tap water safe to drink?

Winter Haven, Florida tap water receives a grade of C (57/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 266 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Winter Haven's water?

Of the 74 contaminants tested in Winter Haven's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 6 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Winter Haven have any water quality violations?

Yes, Winter Haven has 266 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, RPT. 28 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Winter Haven?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Winter Haven is recommended. 3 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 Winter Haven's tap water come from?

Winter Haven's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by EAST WATER SYSTEM and 10 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 243,576 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Winter Haven's water quality score of 57/100 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 Winter Haven's water quality?

If you have concerns about Winter Haven'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 (EAST 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.

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