Is Gulfstream, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
Gulfstream, FL — Water Quality Report
Gulfstream's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,001 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gulfstream's water
Gulfstream ranks #70 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gulfstream purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Gulfstream may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gulfstream, FL water safe to drink?
Gulfstream's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,001 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gulfstream
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gulfstream's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Contaminants: 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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gulfstream's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gulfstream's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Saddle Creek, Lake Parker Outlet, Lake Lena Run, Banana-Hancock Canal Nr Highland City, Fox Branch.
Where does Gulfstream's water come from?
Gulfstream's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,001 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Saddle Creek (river), Lake Parker Outlet (stream), Lake Lena Run (river), Banana-Hancock Canal Nr Highland City (stream), Fox Branch (river).
What Gulfstream residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gulfstream'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.
Gulfstream'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPalm Beach 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
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gulfstream compares by contaminant
Explore where Gulfstream ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gulfstream's water comes from
Gulfstream purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Gulfstream's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,001 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gulfstream
Gulfstream is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gulfstream
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GULFSTREAM, TOWN OF | FL4500565 | 1,001 | GWP |
How Gulfstream compares
Full Florida rankings →Gulfstream's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gulfstream's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Palm Beach
Frequently asked questions
Is Gulfstream, FL tap water safe to drink?
Gulfstream's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Gulfstream's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Gulfstream'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 Gulfstream?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gulfstream's water come from?
Gulfstream's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,001 residents.
What health violations has Gulfstream's water system had?
Gulfstream has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gulfstream's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gulfstream 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 7 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 Gulfstream's water compare to other cities?
Gulfstream ranks #70 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 82% of state cities) and #3653 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gulfstream's small water system affect quality?
Gulfstream's system serves approximately 1,001 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 7 violations on record.