Is Callahan, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
95.1/100
waterverge.com Callahan, FL — Water Quality Report
Callahan's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 21 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Callahan's water
Callahan ranks #3 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Callahan 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.
As a small community water system, Callahan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Callahan, FL water safe to drink?
Callahan's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A+ (95.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Callahan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Callahan's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.1/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Callahan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Callahan's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Nassau County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2019. 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 Thomas Creek, Trout R Nr Jacksonville Fla, Trout River Bl Us 1.
Where does Callahan's water come from?
Callahan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Thomas Creek (river), Trout R Nr Jacksonville Fla (stream), Trout River Bl Us 1 (river).
What Callahan residents can do
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.
Callahan'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtNassau County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 48.6% 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
Nassau County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2019. 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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Callahan compares by contaminant
Explore where Callahan ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Callahan's water comes from
Callahan'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 1,730 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Callahan
Callahan is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Callahan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALLAHAN WTP | FL2450146 | 1,730 | GW |
How Callahan compares
Full Florida rankings →Callahan's score of 95.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Callahan, FL
Wikipedia →Callahan is a town in Nassau County, Florida, United States, adjacent to Duval County. The population was 1,972 at the 2020 census, up from 1,123 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is one location of the Northeast Florida Fair.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Callahan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nassau
Frequently asked questions
Is Callahan, FL tap water safe to drink?
Callahan's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Callahan's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Callahan'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 Callahan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Callahan's water come from?
Callahan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 residents.
What health violations has Callahan's water system had?
Callahan has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Callahan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Callahan 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 21 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 Callahan's water compare to other cities?
Callahan ranks #3 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 99% of state cities) and #352 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Callahan's small water system affect quality?
Callahan's system serves approximately 1,730 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 21 violations on record.