Is Cross City, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.4/100
waterverge.com Cross City, FL — Water Quality Report
Cross City's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,650 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 137 violations on record, including 81 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cross City's water
Cross City ranks #264 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cross City 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, Cross City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cross City, FL water safe to drink?
Cross City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cross City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cross City's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.4/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cross City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cross City's water system has 137 total violations on record, including 81 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dixie 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 Manatee Spring Nr Chiefland Fla.
Where does Cross City's water come from?
Cross City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manatee Spring Nr Chiefland Fla (spring).
What Cross City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cross City'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.
Cross City'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 Cross City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cross City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLD CASTLE LAWN & GARDEN APG CROSS CITY, FL32628 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDixie 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
Dixie 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 Cross City compares by contaminant
Explore where Cross City ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cross City's water comes from
Cross City'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 2,650 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cross City
Cross City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cross City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROSS CITY WTP | FL2150243 | 2,550 | GW |
| SHADY OAKS RV ; MHP | FL2151026 | 100 | GW |
How Cross City compares
Full Florida rankings →Cross City's score of 58.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Cross City, FL
Wikipedia →Cross City is a town and the county seat of Dixie County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,689 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cross City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dixie
Frequently asked questions
Is Cross City, FL tap water safe to drink?
Cross City's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #264 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Cross City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 137 violations are on record.
How is Cross City'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 Cross City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cross City's water come from?
Cross City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,650 residents.
What health violations has Cross City's water system had?
Cross City has 81 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cross City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cross City 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 137 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 Cross City's water compare to other cities?
Cross City ranks #264 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 32% of state cities) and #12283 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.