Is Bushnell, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
53.2/100
waterverge.com Bushnell, FL — Water Quality Report
Bushnell's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 122 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bushnell's water
Bushnell ranks #284 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bushnell 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 0.03 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 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bushnell, FL water safe to drink?
Bushnell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bushnell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bushnell's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.2/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Bushnell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bushnell's water system has 122 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sumter County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Little Withlacoochee River, Withlacoochee River, Withlacoochee River Nr Pineola, Jumper Creek Canal, Fenney Springs Nr Coleman.
Where does Bushnell's water come from?
Bushnell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 5,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Withlacoochee River (river), Withlacoochee River (river), Withlacoochee River Nr Pineola (river), Jumper Creek Canal (river), Fenney Springs Nr Coleman (spring).
What Bushnell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bushnell'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.
Bushnell'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 Bushnell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bushnell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
METAL INDUSTRIES LLC - BUSHNELL FLORIDA BUSHNELL, FL33513 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
CEMEX BUSHNELL BUSHNELL, FL33513 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX COLEMAN COLEMAN, FL33521 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - BUSHNELL INC. LAKE PANASOFFKEE, FL33538 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
HIGHWAY SYSTEMS INC SUMTERVILLE, FL33585 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSumter 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
Sumter County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bushnell compares by contaminant
Explore where Bushnell ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bushnell's water comes from
Bushnell'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 private ownership and serves approximately 5,300 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Bushnell
Bushnell is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bushnell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSHNELL, CITY OF (2 WPS) | FL6600210 | 3,047 | GW |
| SUMTER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | FL6601737 | 2,008 | GW |
| JUMPER CREEK UTILITY COMPANY | FL6605002 | 115 | GW |
| OAK TREE CIRCLE PARK LLC | FL6601467 | 70 | GW |
| ISLEWORTH | FL6601345 | 60 | GW |
How Bushnell compares
Full Florida rankings →Bushnell's score of 53.2/100 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 Bushnell, FL
Wikipedia →Bushnell is a city in and the county seat of Sumter County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,047 at the 2020 census. It is part of The Villages metropolitan area, which consists of all of Sumter County and is included in the Orlando–Lakeland–Deltona combined statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bushnell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sumter
Frequently asked questions
Is Bushnell, FL tap water safe to drink?
Bushnell's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #284 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Bushnell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 122 violations are on record.
How is Bushnell'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 Bushnell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bushnell's water come from?
Bushnell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 5,300 residents.
What health violations has Bushnell's water system had?
Bushnell has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bushnell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bushnell 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 122 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 Bushnell's water compare to other cities?
Bushnell ranks #284 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 27% of state cities) and #12708 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.