Is Fort White, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52/100
waterverge.com Fort White, FL — Water Quality Report
Fort White's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 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 61 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort White's water
Fort White ranks #286 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fort White 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, Fort White may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort White, FL water safe to drink?
Fort White's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort White
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort White's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort White's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort White's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Santa Fe River, Ginnie Spring Nr High Springs Fla, Blue Hole Spring Nr Hildreth, Ichetucknee R @ Hwy27 Nr Hildreth, Santa Fe River Nr Hildreth Fla.
Where does Fort White's water come from?
Fort White's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Fe River (river), Ginnie Spring Nr High Springs Fla (spring), Blue Hole Spring Nr Hildreth (spring), Ichetucknee R @ Hwy27 Nr Hildreth (river), Santa Fe River Nr Hildreth Fla (river).
What Fort White residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort White'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.
Fort White'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 Fort White
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fort White, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUWANNEE AMERICAN CEMENT BRANFORD, FL32008 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
AIR LIQUIDE ADVANCED MATERIALS INC HIGH SPRINGS, FL32643 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtColumbia 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
Columbia County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Fort White compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort White ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort White's water comes from
Fort White'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 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fort White
Fort White is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort White
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF FORT WHITE WTP | FL2124399 | 750 | GW |
How Fort White compares
Full Florida rankings →Fort White's score of 52/100 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 Fort White, FL
Wikipedia →Fort White is a town in Columbia County, Florida, United States, named after a military fort built in the 1830s. It is the closest town to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Fort White High School and the Fort White Public School Historic District are located within the town's borders. The original school building was constructed in 1915. As of the 2020 census, the population of Fort White was 618, up from 567 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lake City, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort White's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort White, FL tap water safe to drink?
Fort White's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #286 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Fort White's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Fort White'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 Fort White?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort White's water come from?
Fort White's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Fort White's water system had?
Fort White has 42 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort White's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort White 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 61 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 Fort White's water compare to other cities?
Fort White ranks #286 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 26% of state cities) and #12836 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort White's small water system affect quality?
Fort White's system serves approximately 750 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 61 violations on record.