Is Chattahoochee, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73/100
waterverge.com Chattahoochee, FL — Water Quality Report
Chattahoochee's drinking water received a grade of B- (73 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,302 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 37 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chattahoochee's water
Chattahoochee ranks #206 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Chattahoochee 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 0.35 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chattahoochee, FL water safe to drink?
Chattahoochee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,302 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chattahoochee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chattahoochee's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4734). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chattahoochee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chattahoochee's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gadsden 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. Local water sources include Lake Seminole, Apalachicola River Bl Woodruff Dam, Nr Sneads, Apalachicola River.
Where does Chattahoochee's water come from?
Chattahoochee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,302 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Seminole (lake), Apalachicola River Bl Woodruff Dam, Nr Sneads (river), Apalachicola River (river).
What Chattahoochee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chattahoochee'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.
Chattahoochee'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 Chattahoochee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chattahoochee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10,562 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WOODRUFF/SEMINOLE SITE CHATTAHOOCHEE, FL32324 | Dipotassium endothall | 10,562 | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGadsden 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
Gadsden 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.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chattahoochee compares by contaminant
Explore where Chattahoochee ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chattahoochee's water comes from
Chattahoochee'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 state ownership and serves approximately 6,302 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Chattahoochee
Chattahoochee is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chattahoochee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLORIDA STATE HOSPITAL | FL1200275 | 3,200 | GW |
| CHATTAHOOCHEE, CITY OF | FL1200134 | 2,959 | GW |
| ROSEDALE WATER ASSOCIATION | FL1204079 | 143 | GWP |
How Chattahoochee compares
Full Florida rankings →Chattahoochee's score of 73/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Chattahoochee, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chattahoochee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gadsden
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattahoochee, FL tap water safe to drink?
Chattahoochee's water quality earned a grade of B- (73/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #206 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Chattahoochee's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Chattahoochee'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 Chattahoochee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chattahoochee's water come from?
Chattahoochee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,302 residents.
What health violations has Chattahoochee's water system had?
Chattahoochee has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chattahoochee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chattahoochee 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 37 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 Chattahoochee's water compare to other cities?
Chattahoochee ranks #206 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 47% of state cities) and #10186 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.