WaterVerge

Is Grand Ridge, 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 ↓

978 residents served 1 water system PWSID: FL1320686
Overall Score
89.3 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#58 of 388 in Florida Top 19% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.3/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.3/100

Grand Ridge, FL — Water Quality Report

Grand Ridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 978 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 26 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Grand Ridge's water

Grand Ridge ranks #58 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Grand Ridge 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, Grand Ridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.3 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
15/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Grand Ridge, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grand Ridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 978 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
2.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grand Ridge

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Ridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE NICOLE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4680). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), E. COLI.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Ridge's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Grand Ridge's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLMON
Most recent violations:
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2018 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2016 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2016 E. COLI Open
Jan 2016 E. COLI Open

Flood & environmental risk

Jackson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Jackson Blue Spring Nr Marianna.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4828
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4680
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-4673

Where does Grand Ridge's water come from?

Grand Ridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 978 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jackson Blue Spring Nr Marianna (spring).

What Grand Ridge residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Ridge's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Grand Ridge'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 14% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
0.8 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 1% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 0.7 µg/LHAA9: 1.0 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

26
Total violations
4
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jan 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

26 Total
5 Active
4 Health-based
21 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
8
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Ground Water Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2016
Sep 2015 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2015
Sep 2015 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Sep 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Aug 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2013
Mar 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2007
Feb 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 2005
Feb 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2004
Apr 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1993
Feb 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 1991
Sep 1985 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1988
Sep 1985 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1988
Showing 20 of 26 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grand Ridge

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grand Ridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SPANISH TRAIL LUMBER CO LLC
Wood Products · NA
MARIANNA, FL32448
3.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grand Ridge

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Jackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 87.7% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
21.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Jackson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4828
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673
Sep 2022
TROPICAL STORM IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3584
Aug 2021
TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA #3562
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #4564

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.9 ppb from 1993 (10.0 ppb) to 2023 (2.1 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Grand Ridge compares by contaminant

Explore where Grand Ridge ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
978
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Grand Ridge's water comes from

Groundwater

Grand Ridge'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 978 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grand Ridge

Grand Ridge is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Jackson Blue Spring Nr Marianna
spring
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grand Ridge

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRAND RIDGE, TOWN OF FL1320686 978 GW
Regional Comparison

How Grand Ridge compares

Full Florida rankings →

Grand Ridge's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Grand Ridge (this city)
89.3
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
City Profile

About Grand Ridge, FL

Wikipedia →

Grand Ridge is a town in Jackson County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida Panhandle and North Florida. The population was 882 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$37,065
Median Income
$93,220
Median Home Value
$756/mo
Median Rent
2.3%
Unemployment
Community
39.8
Median Age
73
People / sq mi
8.8%
College Educated
69.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Ridge, FL tap water safe to drink?

Grand Ridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #58 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.

What contaminants are in Grand Ridge's water?

Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.

How is Grand Ridge'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 Grand Ridge?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Grand Ridge's water come from?

Grand Ridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 978 residents.

What health violations has Grand Ridge's water system had?

Grand Ridge has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Grand Ridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Grand Ridge 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 26 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 Grand Ridge's water compare to other cities?

Grand Ridge ranks #58 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 85% of state cities) and #2925 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Grand Ridge's small water system affect quality?

Grand Ridge's system serves approximately 978 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 26 violations on record.