Is Archer, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.6/100
waterverge.com Archer, FL — Water Quality Report
Archer's drinking water received a grade of A (90.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,869 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 40 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Archer's water
Archer ranks #41 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Archer relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Archer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Archer, FL water safe to drink?
Archer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,869 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Archer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Archer's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Archer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Archer's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alachua County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Archer's water come from?
Archer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,869 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Archer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Archer's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Archer's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Archer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Archer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARGOS NEWBERRY PLANT NEWBERRY, FL32669 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtAlachua County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 34.4% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Alachua County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Archer compares by contaminant
Explore where Archer ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Archer's water comes from
Archer's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,869 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Archer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCHER WATER SYSTEM | FL2010199 | 1,500 | GW |
| UNIVERSITY OAKS MHP | FL2381208 | 369 | GW |
How Archer compares
Full Florida rankings →Archer's score of 90.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Archer, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Archer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alachua
Frequently asked questions
Is Archer, FL tap water safe to drink?
Archer's water quality earned a grade of A (90.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Archer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Archer's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Archer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Archer's water come from?
Archer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,869 residents.
Is Archer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Archer uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 40 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Archer's water compare to other cities?
Archer ranks #41 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 89% of state cities) and #2127 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.