WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: FL4500565
Overall Score
88.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#70 of 388 in Florida Top 23% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Gulfstream, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

3
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Gulfstream

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gulfstream's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MONOtherMCLMR
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2015 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2007 Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open

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.

HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-4834
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-3622
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4734

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

Install a water filter

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

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
4 Resolved
Violations by category
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2007 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2025
Jul 2015 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2015
Aug 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2013
Mar 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Palm 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
27.6%
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
Oct 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #4834
Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #3622
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4734
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673
Sep 2022
TROPICAL STORM IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3584

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 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 1.7 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,001
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Gulfstream's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Saddle Creek
river
Lake Parker Outlet
stream
Lake Lena Run
river
Banana-Hancock Canal Nr Highland City
stream
Fox Branch
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Gulfstream

System Name PWSID Population Source
GULFSTREAM, TOWN OF FL4500565 1,001 GWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Gulfstream (this city)
88.1
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
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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.