Is East Palatka, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com East Palatka, FL — Water Quality Report
East Palatka's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,193 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 143 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Palatka's water
East Palatka ranks #293 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
East Palatka 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, East Palatka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Palatka, FL water safe to drink?
East Palatka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,193 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Palatka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Palatka's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI, 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 East Palatka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Palatka's water system has 143 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam 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 St. Johns R, Dunns Creek, Deep Creek, St Johns River, St. Johns River.
Where does East Palatka's water come from?
East Palatka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,193 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Johns R (stream), Dunns Creek (stream), Deep Creek (stream), St Johns River (river), St. Johns River (river).
What East Palatka residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Palatka'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.
East Palatka'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 East Palatka
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Palatka, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 25,978 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER OPERATIONS LLC PALATKA, FL32177 | Ammonia | 17,166 | 5.1 mi |
SEMINOLE GENERATING STATION PALATKA, FL32177 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 8,754 | 7.1 mi |
VERITAS STEEL PALATKA, FL32177 | Manganese | 58 | 4.3 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN BOSTWICK BOSTWICK, FL32007 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
TPG PRESSURE - PALATKA PALATKA, FL32177 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPutnam County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Putnam 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 East Palatka compares by contaminant
Explore where East Palatka ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Palatka's water comes from
East Palatka'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 2,193 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near East Palatka
East Palatka is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Palatka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST PUTNAM REGIONAL | FL2544444 | 1,500 | GW |
| RIVERGROVE SUBDIVISON | FL2540959 | 375 | GW |
| PALM PORT SUBDIVISION | FL2540865 | 318 | GW |
How East Palatka compares
Full Florida rankings →East Palatka's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About East Palatka, FL
Wikipedia →East Palatka is a census-designated place (CDP) in Putnam County, Florida, United States. It is located on the east side of the City of Palatka at the intersection of U.S. Route 17/State Road 20/State Road 100 and the southwestern terminus of State Road 207. The population was 1,573 at the 2020 census, down from 1,654 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Palatka, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Palatka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is East Palatka, FL tap water safe to drink?
East Palatka's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #293 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in East Palatka's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 143 violations are on record.
How is East Palatka'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 East Palatka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Palatka's water come from?
East Palatka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,193 residents.
What health violations has East Palatka's water system had?
East Palatka has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Palatka's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Palatka 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 143 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 East Palatka's water compare to other cities?
East Palatka ranks #293 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 24% of state cities) and #13116 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.