WaterVerge

Is Baldwin, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: FL2160053
Overall Score
91.5 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#28 of 388 in Florida Top 11% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.5/100
waterverge.com
A 91.5/100

Baldwin, FL — Water Quality Report

Baldwin's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 21 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Baldwin's water

Baldwin ranks #28 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Baldwin 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, Baldwin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Baldwin, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Baldwin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Baldwin

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baldwin's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baldwin's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Baldwin's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2021 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2021 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2016 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2015 E. COLI Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Duval County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2019. 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 St. Marys River.

HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-4834
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-3622
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4828

Where does Baldwin's water come from?

Baldwin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Marys River (river).

What Baldwin residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baldwin's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Baldwin'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 3% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

21
Total violations
2
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

21 Total
3 Active
2 Health-based
18 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
8
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Jan 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2021 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2021
Jul 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2021
Apr 2015 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Apr 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
May 2013 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2013
May 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2013
Dec 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Jul 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Jul 2007 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Jun 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2005
May 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2005
Jun 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Mar 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Feb 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 1995
Nov 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Showing 20 of 21 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Baldwin

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baldwin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CMC STEEL FLORIDA
Primary Metals · COMMERCIAL METALS CO
JACKSONVILLE, FL32234
Zinc compounds131.6 mi
SAFT AMERICA
Electrical Equipment · SAFT AMERICA INC
JACKSONVILLE, FL32221
5.5 mi
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
JACKSONVILLE, FL32220
8.8 mi
JEA BRANDY BRANCH GENERATING STATION
Electric Utilities · JEA
JACKSONVILLE, FL32234
0.4 mi
PREFERRED-BALDWIN RM
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
BALDWIN, FL32234
0.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Baldwin

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Duval County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.3% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
20.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Duval County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2019. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #4834
Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #3622
Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4828
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4734
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.5 ppb from 1993 (2.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,790
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Baldwin's water comes from

Groundwater

Baldwin'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 1,790 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Baldwin

Baldwin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

St. Marys River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Baldwin

System Name PWSID Population Source
BALDWIN WATER SYSTEM FL2160053 1,790 GW
Regional Comparison

How Baldwin compares

Full Florida rankings →

Baldwin's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Baldwin (this city)
91.5
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
City Profile

About Baldwin, FL

Economic Profile
$54,628
Median Income
$121,455
Median Home Value
$623/mo
Median Rent
10.2%
Unemployment
Community
38.7
Median Age
344
People / sq mi
14.5%
College Educated
54.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Baldwin, FL tap water safe to drink?

Baldwin's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.

What contaminants are in Baldwin's water?

Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.

How is Baldwin'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 Baldwin?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Baldwin's water come from?

Baldwin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 residents.

What health violations has Baldwin's water system had?

Baldwin has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Baldwin's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Baldwin 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 21 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 Baldwin's water compare to other cities?

Baldwin ranks #28 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 93% of state cities) and #1660 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Baldwin's small water system affect quality?

Baldwin's system serves approximately 1,790 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 21 violations on record.