Is Bristol, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.2/100
waterverge.com Bristol, FL — Water Quality Report
Bristol's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 7,164 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 45 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bristol's water
Bristol ranks #241 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bristol 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.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bristol, FL water safe to drink?
Bristol's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 7,164 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bristol
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bristol's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4734). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bristol's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bristol's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Liberty 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 Telogia Creek Nr Bristol, Fla., Apalachicola River Nr Blountstown,Florida.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 7,164 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Telogia Creek Nr Bristol, Fla. (river), Apalachicola River Nr Blountstown,Florida (river).
What Bristol residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bristol'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.
Bristol'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 Bristol
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bristol, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APALACHEE POLE COMPANY BRISTOL, FL32321 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
APALACHEE POLE CO BRISTOL, FL32321 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLiberty County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Liberty 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bristol'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.28 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bristol compares by contaminant
Explore where Bristol ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bristol's water comes from
Bristol'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 7,164 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Bristol
Bristol is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bristol
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRISTOL, CITY OF WATER SYSTEM | FL1390087 | 2,688 | GW |
| LIBERTY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | FL1394001 | 1,800 | GW |
| HOSFORD, TOWN OF WATER SYSTEM | FL1390901 | 1,272 | GW |
| LAKE MYSTIC WATER SYSTEM | FL1394009 | 444 | GW |
| RAINBOW LAKE MANOR MHP | WI2300166 | 350 | GW |
| ESTIFFANULGA WATER SYSTEM | FL1394006 | 281 | GW |
| ROCK BLUFF WATER SYSTEM | FL1394012 | 166 | GW |
| SUMATRA WATER SYSTEM | FL1394003 | 163 | GW |
How Bristol compares
Full Florida rankings →Bristol's score of 65.2/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Bristol, FL
Wikipedia →Bristol is a city in and the county seat of Liberty County, Florida, United States. It is the only incorporated city in Liberty County. The population was 918 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bristol's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Liberty
Frequently asked questions
Is Bristol, FL tap water safe to drink?
Bristol's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #241 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Bristol's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Bristol'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 Bristol?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 7,164 residents.
What health violations has Bristol's water system had?
Bristol has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bristol's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bristol 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 45 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 Bristol's water compare to other cities?
Bristol ranks #241 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 38% of state cities) and #11550 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.