Is Guayama, PR 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
Guayama, PR — Water Quality Report
Guayama's drinking water received a grade of A (90.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,976 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 35 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Guayama's water
Guayama ranks #1 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Guayama 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, Guayama may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Guayama, PR water safe to drink?
Guayama'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,976 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Guayama
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Guayama's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Guayama's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Guayama's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Guayama's water come from?
Guayama's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,976 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lago Carite (lake), Rio De La Plata (river), Rio Grande De Loiza (river), Rio Grande De Patillas Nr Patillas (river), Rio Marin Nr Patillas (river).
What Guayama residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Guayama'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Guayama compares by contaminant
Explore where Guayama ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Guayama's water comes from
Guayama'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 1,976 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Guayama
Guayama is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Guayama
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIMARRONA | PR0004765 | 1,976 | GW |
How Guayama compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Guayama's score of 90.6/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Guayama, PR
Wikipedia →Guayama, officially the Autonomous Municipality of Guayama, is a city and municipality on the Caribbean coast of Puerto Rico. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the city had a population of 36,614. It is the center of the Guayama metropolitan area with a population of 68,442 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Guayama's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Guayama Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Guayama, PR tap water safe to drink?
Guayama'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 #1 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Guayama's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Guayama'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 Guayama?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Guayama's water come from?
Guayama's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,976 residents.
What health violations has Guayama's water system had?
Guayama has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Guayama's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Guayama 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 35 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 Guayama's water compare to other cities?
Guayama ranks #1 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 99% of state cities) and #2126 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.
Does Guayama's small water system affect quality?
Guayama's system serves approximately 1,976 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 35 violations on record.