Is Carrabelle, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Carrabelle, FL — Water Quality Report
Carrabelle's drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,505 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 102 violations on record, including 75 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carrabelle's water
Carrabelle ranks #177 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Carrabelle 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carrabelle, FL water safe to drink?
Carrabelle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,505 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carrabelle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carrabelle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4734). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carrabelle'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
Carrabelle's water system has 102 total violations on record, including 75 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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.
Where does Carrabelle's water come from?
Carrabelle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,505 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Carrabelle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carrabelle'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.
Carrabelle'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 droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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 Carrabelle'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. | 2.4 | 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. | 1.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.450 mg/L (2000)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Carrabelle compares by contaminant
Explore where Carrabelle ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carrabelle's water comes from
Carrabelle'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 5,505 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Carrabelle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CARRABELLE WATER SYSTEM | FL1190118 | 3,690 | GW |
| LANARK VILLAGE (CITY OF CARRABELLE) | FL1190414 | 1,815 | GW |
How Carrabelle compares
Full Florida rankings →Carrabelle's score of 76.8/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Carrabelle, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carrabelle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrabelle, FL tap water safe to drink?
Carrabelle's water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #177 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Carrabelle's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 102 violations are on record.
How is Carrabelle'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 Carrabelle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carrabelle's water come from?
Carrabelle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,505 residents.
What health violations has Carrabelle's water system had?
Carrabelle has 75 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carrabelle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carrabelle 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 102 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 Carrabelle's water compare to other cities?
Carrabelle ranks #177 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 54% of state cities) and #9177 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.