Is Bonifay, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
55.4/100
waterverge.com Bonifay, FL — Water Quality Report
Bonifay's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,390 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 79 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bonifay's water
Bonifay ranks #279 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bonifay 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.32 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bonifay, FL water safe to drink?
Bonifay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,390 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bonifay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bonifay's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4680). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bonifay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bonifay's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Holmes County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Wrights Creek, Choctawhatchee River.
Where does Bonifay's water come from?
Bonifay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,390 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wrights Creek (river), Choctawhatchee River (river).
What Bonifay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bonifay'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.
Bonifay'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bonifay
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bonifay, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARNOLD LUMBER CO INC BONIFAY, FL32425 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHolmes 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
Holmes County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bonifay compares by contaminant
Explore where Bonifay ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bonifay's water comes from
Bonifay'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 3,390 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Bonifay
Bonifay is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bonifay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BONIFAY, CITY OF W/S | FL1300083 | 2,759 | GW |
| NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER SYSTEM, INC. | FL1300214 | 312 | GW |
| NOMA WATER WORKS | FL1300498 | 242 | GW |
| TEEN CHALLENGE WEST FLORIDA | FL1302006 | 77 | GW |
How Bonifay compares
Full Florida rankings →Bonifay's score of 55.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Bonifay, FL
Wikipedia →Bonifay is a city and the county seat of Holmes County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,759.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bonifay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holmes
Frequently asked questions
Is Bonifay, FL tap water safe to drink?
Bonifay's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #279 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Bonifay's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Bonifay'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 Bonifay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bonifay's water come from?
Bonifay's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,390 residents.
What health violations has Bonifay's water system had?
Bonifay has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bonifay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bonifay 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 79 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 Bonifay's water compare to other cities?
Bonifay ranks #279 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 28% of state cities) and #12539 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.