Is Cayey, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Cayey, PR — Water Quality Report
Cayey's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,056 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 71 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cayey's water
Cayey ranks #11 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Cayey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cayey, PR water safe to drink?
Cayey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,056 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cayey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cayey's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cayey's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Cayey's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Cayey's water come from?
Cayey's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,056 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lago Carite (lake), Rio De La Plata (river), Rio Usabon (river), Rio Arroyata (river), Rio De Bayamon (river).
What Cayey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cayey'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cayey'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cayey compares by contaminant
Explore where Cayey ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cayey's water comes from
Cayey's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,056 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cayey
Cayey is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cayey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CULEBRAS | PR0004665 | 2,056 | SW |
How Cayey compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Cayey's score of 79.8/100 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 Cayey, PR
Wikipedia →Cayey, officially Cayey de Muesas, is a mountain town and municipality in central Puerto Rico located on the Sierra de Cayey within the Central Mountain range, north east of Salinas and north of Guayama; south of Cidra and Caguas; east of Aibonito and west of San Lorenzo. Cayey is spread over 21 barrios plus Cayey Pueblo. It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cayey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cayey Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Cayey, PR tap water safe to drink?
Cayey's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #11 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Cayey's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Cayey'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 Cayey?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cayey's water come from?
Cayey's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,056 residents.
What health violations has Cayey's water system had?
Cayey has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cayey's water compare to other cities?
Cayey ranks #11 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 89% of state cities) and #8135 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cayey's small water system affect quality?
Cayey's system serves approximately 2,056 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 71 violations on record.