Is Fruit Cove, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Fruit Cove, FL — Water Quality Report
Fruit Cove's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 665 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 21 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fruit Cove's water
Fruit Cove ranks #91 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fruit Cove 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, Fruit Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fruit Cove, FL water safe to drink?
Fruit Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 665 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fruit Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fruit Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fruit Cove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fruit Cove's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fruit Cove's water come from?
Fruit Cove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fruit Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fruit Cove'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.
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 Fruit Cove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fruit Cove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST - GREEN COVE SPRINGS GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL32043 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
PERMABASE BUILDING PRODUCTS - JACKSONVILLE GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL32043 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
PREFERRED-GREEN COVE RM GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL32043 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
TITAN FLORIDA-ORANGE PARK RMC PLANT ORANGE PARK, FL32065 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS ORANGE PARK (OPF) ORANGE PARK, FL32073 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fruit Cove
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- JACKSONVILLE NAVAL AIR STATION9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaint Johns 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.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fruit Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where Fruit Cove ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fruit Cove's water comes from
Fruit Cove'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 private ownership and serves approximately 665 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Fruit Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJCU-FRUIT COVE OAKS WS | FL2550396 | 485 | GW |
| BAYSIDE ESTATES WTP | FL2554344 | 180 | GW |
How Fruit Cove compares
Full Florida rankings →Fruit Cove's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Fruit Cove, FL
Wikipedia →St. Augustine or Saint Augustine is a city in and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States. Located 40 miles (64 km) south of downtown Jacksonville, the city is on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida. Founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the contiguous United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fruit Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Johns
Frequently asked questions
Is Fruit Cove, FL tap water safe to drink?
Fruit Cove's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #91 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Fruit Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Fruit Cove'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 Fruit Cove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fruit Cove's water come from?
Fruit Cove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 665 residents.
What health violations has Fruit Cove's water system had?
Fruit Cove has 1 health-based violation 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fruit Cove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fruit Cove 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 21 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 Fruit Cove's water compare to other cities?
Fruit Cove ranks #91 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 77% of state cities) and #5199 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.