Is Carolina, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Carolina, PR — Water Quality Report
Carolina's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 825 residents using groundwater.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 26 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carolina's water
Carolina ranks #5 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Carolina 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, Carolina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carolina, PR water safe to drink?
Carolina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carolina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carolina's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Violation history
Carolina's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Carolina's water come from?
Carolina's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Piedras (river), Quebrada Josefina (river), Qda. Margarita (river), Rio Grande De Loiza (river), Rio Caguitas (river).
What Carolina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carolina'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Carolina compares by contaminant
Explore where Carolina ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carolina's water comes from
Carolina'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 825 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Carolina
Carolina is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carolina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SISTEMA DE AGUA DUAL BARRAZA | PR0116041 | 800 | GW |
| PLT. MUNICIPAL CAROLINA | PR0116051 | 25 | SW |
How Carolina compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Carolina's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Carolina, PR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carolina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carolina Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Carolina, PR tap water safe to drink?
Carolina's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Carolina's water?
26 violations are on record.
How is Carolina'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 Carolina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carolina's water come from?
Carolina's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 825 residents.
What health violations has Carolina's water system had?
Carolina has 3 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carolina's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carolina 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 26 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 Carolina's water compare to other cities?
Carolina ranks #5 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 95% of state cities) and #6782 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.