Is Baker, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Baker, FL — Water Quality Report
Baker's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,192 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 26 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baker's water
Baker ranks #69 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Baker 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baker, FL water safe to drink?
Baker's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,192 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baker
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baker's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4673). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baker's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baker's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Okaloosa 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. Local water sources include Yellow River Nr Oak Grove, Fla., Yellow River, Shoal River Nr Crestview, Fla., Blackwater River Nr Baker, Fla..
Where does Baker's water come from?
Baker's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,192 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow River Nr Oak Grove, Fla. (river), Yellow River (river), Shoal River Nr Crestview, Fla. (river), Blackwater River Nr Baker, Fla. (river).
What Baker residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baker'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.
Baker'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOkaloosa 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
Okaloosa 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Baker compares by contaminant
Explore where Baker ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baker's water comes from
Baker'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 6,192 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Baker
Baker is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Baker
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAKER WATER SYSTEM, INC. | FL1460043 | 2,930 | GW |
| MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM, INC. | FL1460472 | 2,450 | GW |
| OKALOOSA WATERWORKS (FORMERLY BLACKMAN) | FL1464068 | 812 | GW |
How Baker compares
Full Florida rankings →Baker's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Baker, FL
Wikipedia →Baker is a Small town in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the county seat, Crestview, and 10 miles northeast of Holt in the Florida Panhandle. A stop on the Florida, Alabama and Gulf Railroad, Baker was platted in 1910 and grew up around the timber and turpentine industries.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baker's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Okaloosa
Frequently asked questions
Is Baker, FL tap water safe to drink?
Baker's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Baker's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Baker'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 Baker?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baker's water come from?
Baker's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,192 residents.
What health violations has Baker's water system had?
Baker has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baker's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baker 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 26 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 Baker's water compare to other cities?
Baker ranks #69 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 82% of state cities) and #3503 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.