Is Espino, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.5/100
waterverge.com Espino, PR — Water Quality Report
Espino's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 133 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Espino's water
Espino ranks #24 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it above average 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, Espino may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Espino, PR water safe to drink?
Espino's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Espino
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Espino's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 1,1-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloroethane.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Espino'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
Espino's water system has 133 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Espino's water come from?
Espino's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rio De Bayamon Nr Bayamon (river), Quebrada Santa Catalina (river), Las Casas Lake (lake), Unnamed Creek (river), Rio Piedras (river).
What Espino residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Espino'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 Espino'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Espino compares by contaminant
Explore where Espino ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Espino's water comes from
Espino'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 2,598 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Espino
Espino 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 Espino
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPINO | PR0005136 | 2,598 | SW |
How Espino compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Espino's score of 70.5/100 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 Espino, PR
Wikipedia →Las Marías is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located north of Maricao; southeast of Añasco; south of San Sebastián; east of Mayagüez; and west of Lares. Las Marías is spread over 15 barrios and Las Marías Pueblo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Espino's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Lorenzo Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Espino, PR tap water safe to drink?
Espino's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #24 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Espino's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 133 violations are on record.
How is Espino'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 Espino?
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 Espino's water come from?
Espino's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 residents.
What health violations has Espino's water system had?
Espino has 38 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Espino's water compare to other cities?
Espino ranks #24 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 76% of state cities) and #10727 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Espino's small water system affect quality?
Espino's system serves approximately 2,598 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 133 violations on record.