Is Ave Maria, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Ave Maria, FL — Water Quality Report
Ave Maria's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 11,982 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 22 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ave Maria's water
Ave Maria ranks #175 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ave Maria 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.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ave Maria, FL water safe to drink?
Ave Maria's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 11,982 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ave Maria
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ave Maria's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ave Maria's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ave Maria's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Collier County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Ave Maria's water come from?
Ave Maria's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 11,982 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ave Maria residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ave Maria'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.
Ave Maria'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 Ave Maria
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ave Maria, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARTHREX MANUFACTURING INC. IMMOKALEE, FL34142 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCollier County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Collier County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ave Maria compares by contaminant
Explore where Ave Maria ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ave Maria's water comes from
Ave Maria'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 private ownership and serves approximately 11,982 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ave Maria
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVE MARIA UTILITY COMPANY, LLLP | FL5114154 | 11,982 | GW |
How Ave Maria compares
Full Florida rankings →Ave Maria's score of 77/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Ave Maria, FL
Wikipedia →Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,115, down from 19,539 at the 2010 census. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area, which had a population of about 375,752 as of 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ave Maria's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Collier
Frequently asked questions
Is Ave Maria, FL tap water safe to drink?
Ave Maria's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #175 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Ave Maria's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Ave Maria'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 Ave Maria?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ave Maria's water come from?
Ave Maria's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 11,982 residents.
What health violations has Ave Maria's water system had?
Ave Maria has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ave Maria's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ave Maria 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 22 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 Ave Maria's water compare to other cities?
Ave Maria ranks #175 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 55% of state cities) and #9124 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.