Is Bo Jacaboa, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Bo Jacaboa, PR — Water Quality Report
Bo Jacaboa's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,654 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 86 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bo Jacaboa's water
Bo Jacaboa ranks #8 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Bo Jacaboa 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Bo Jacaboa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bo Jacaboa, PR water safe to drink?
Bo Jacaboa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,654 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bo Jacaboa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bo Jacaboa's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Endrin, Diquat, Endothall.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bo Jacaboa's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Bo Jacaboa's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Where does Bo Jacaboa's water come from?
Bo Jacaboa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,654 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 Cayaguas (river), Rio Guayanes Nr Yabucoa (river).
What Bo Jacaboa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bo Jacaboa'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bo Jacaboa's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bo Jacaboa compares by contaminant
Explore where Bo Jacaboa ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bo Jacaboa's water comes from
Bo Jacaboa'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 2,654 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bo Jacaboa
Bo Jacaboa is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bo Jacaboa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACABOAS | PR0004845 | 2,654 | GW |
How Bo Jacaboa compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Bo Jacaboa's score of 81/100 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 Bo Jacaboa, PR
Wikipedia →Patillas is a beach town and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the southeastern coast, south of San Lorenzo; west of Yabucoa and Maunabo; and east of Guayama and Arroyo. It is spread over 15 barrios and Patillas Pueblo. It is part of the Guayama Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bo Jacaboa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Patillas Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Bo Jacaboa, PR tap water safe to drink?
Bo Jacaboa's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #8 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Bo Jacaboa's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is Bo Jacaboa'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 Bo Jacaboa?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bo Jacaboa's water come from?
Bo Jacaboa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,654 residents.
What health violations has Bo Jacaboa's water system had?
Bo Jacaboa has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bo Jacaboa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bo Jacaboa 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 86 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 Bo Jacaboa's water compare to other cities?
Bo Jacaboa ranks #8 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 92% of state cities) and #7629 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bo Jacaboa's small water system affect quality?
Bo Jacaboa's system serves approximately 2,654 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 86 violations on record.