WaterVerge

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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: PR0004765
Overall Score
90.6 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#1 of 101 in Puerto Rico Top 14% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.6/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.6 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 2.0 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 Guayama, PR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

5
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Guayama

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Guayama's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2014 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2014 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

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

Install a water filter

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

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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

35
Total violations
3
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

35 Total
5 Active
3 Health-based
30 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
12
Inorganic Chemicals
7
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Jul 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Jan 2010 Resolved
Toxaphene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Heptachlor epoxide
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Chlordane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Endrin
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
BHC-GAMMA
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Oct 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2006
Showing 20 of 35 violations

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 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 2.0 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2006 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,976
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Guayama's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Guayama

System Name PWSID Population Source
CIMARRONA PR0004765 1,976 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Guayama (this city)
90.6
Bayamon
38.5
Bayamon
38.5
Bayamon
38.5
Ponce
34.9
Mayaguez
42.1
Puerto Rico avg
38
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$20,445
Median Income
$104,699
Median Home Value
$379/mo
Median Rent
7.1%
Unemployment
Community
40.5
Median Age
1,917
People / sq mi
61.6%
Homeownership
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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.