Is Cedar Key, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Cedar Key, FL — Water Quality Report
Cedar Key's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 735 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 41 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cedar Key's water
Cedar Key ranks #125 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cedar Key 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, Cedar Key may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedar Key, FL water safe to drink?
Cedar Key's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 735 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cedar Key
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedar Key's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedar Key's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cedar Key's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Levy 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.
Where does Cedar Key's water come from?
Cedar Key's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 735 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cedar Key residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cedar Key'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.
Cedar Key'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 droughtLevy County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 42.5% 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
Levy 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cedar Key compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedar Key ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedar Key's water comes from
Cedar Key'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 735 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cedar Key
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR KEY WTP | FL2380178 | 735 | GW |
How Cedar Key compares
Full Florida rankings →Cedar Key's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Cedar Key, FL
Wikipedia →Cedar Key is a city in Levy County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 687, down from 702 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Cedar Keys are a cluster of islands near the mainland. Most of the developed area for the city of Cedar Key has been on Way Key since the end of the 19th century. The Cedar Keys are named for the eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana, once abundant in the area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedar Key's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Levy
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Key, FL tap water safe to drink?
Cedar Key's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #125 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Cedar Key's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Cedar Key'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 Cedar Key?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedar Key's water come from?
Cedar Key's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 735 residents.
What health violations has Cedar Key's water system had?
Cedar Key has 29 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cedar Key's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cedar Key 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 41 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 Cedar Key's water compare to other cities?
Cedar Key ranks #125 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 68% of state cities) and #7181 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cedar Key's small water system affect quality?
Cedar Key's system serves approximately 735 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 41 violations on record.