Is Brandon, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Brandon, FL — Water Quality Report
Brandon's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,445 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 200 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brandon's water
Brandon ranks #300 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Brandon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 40 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brandon, FL water safe to drink?
Brandon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,445 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brandon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brandon's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brandon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brandon's water system has 200 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 40 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough 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 Bullfrog Creek, Turkey Creek, Alafia River, Archie Creek, North Archie Creek.
Where does Brandon's water come from?
Brandon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,445 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bullfrog Creek (river), Turkey Creek (river), Alafia River (river), Archie Creek (river), North Archie Creek (river).
What Brandon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brandon'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.
Brandon'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 Brandon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brandon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 130 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOSAIC FERTILIZER LLC-RIVERVIEW RIVERVIEW, FL33578 | Zinc compounds | 85 | 7.2 mi |
TAMPA STEEL ERECTING CO TAMPA, FL33619 | Aluminum oxide (fibrous forms) | 26 | 6.8 mi |
INTERNATIONAL SHIP REPAIR & MARINE SERVICES INC. TAMPA, FL33605 | Aluminum oxide (fibrous forms) | 16 | 8.7 mi |
VALMONT - TAMPA GALVANIZING TAMPA, FL33619 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 3.6 mi |
COASTAL AN OLDCASTLE CO TAMPA, FL33610 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Brandon
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.
- PEAK OIL CO BAY DRUM CO3.5 mi
- REEVES SOUTHEASTERN GALVANIZING CORP3.6 mi
- MRI CORP TAMPA3.8 mi
- STAUFFER CHEMICAL CO TAMPA4.7 mi
- HELENA CHEMICAL CO TAMPA PLANT5.0 mi
+ 6 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHillsborough 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
Hillsborough 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brandon compares by contaminant
Explore where Brandon ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brandon's water comes from
Brandon's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,445 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Brandon
Brandon is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Brandon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRANDON POINTE COMMUNITY | FL6296238 | 1,001 | SWP |
| MOUNT CARMEL RIDGE | FL6290186 | 219 | GW |
| CORAL RIDGE ESTATES MHP | PA5100105 | 200 | GW |
| BUD WELL #5 WTP | FL6296320 | 25 | SWP |
How Brandon compares
Full Florida rankings →Brandon's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Brandon, FL
Wikipedia →Riverview is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is located south of Brandon. The population was 107,396 in the 2020 census, up from 71,050 in the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brandon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Brandon, FL tap water safe to drink?
Brandon's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #300 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Brandon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 200 violations are on record.
How is Brandon'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 Brandon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brandon's water come from?
Brandon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,445 residents.
What health violations has Brandon's water system had?
Brandon has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
How does Brandon's water compare to other cities?
Brandon ranks #300 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 23% of state cities) and #13363 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.