Is Hilton Head Island, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Hilton Head Island, FL — Water Quality Report
Hilton Head Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 608 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 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hilton Head Island's water
Hilton Head Island ranks #115 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hilton Head Island, FL water safe to drink?
Hilton Head Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 608 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hilton Head Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hilton Head Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hilton Head Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hilton Head Island's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Palm Beach 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 Loxahatchee River, Loxahatchee River Dws Lainhart Dam Nr Jupiter, Lox River.
Where does Hilton Head Island's water come from?
Hilton Head Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 608 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Loxahatchee River (river), Loxahatchee River Dws Lainhart Dam Nr Jupiter (river), Lox River (river).
What Hilton Head Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hilton Head Island'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.
Hilton Head Island'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
Flood & disaster history
Palm Beach 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hilton Head Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Hilton Head Island ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hilton Head Island's water comes from
Hilton Head Island'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 608 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hilton Head Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAUFUSKIE ISL UTIL-HAIG POINT (0750036) | SC0750036 | 608 | GW |
How Hilton Head Island compares
Full Florida rankings →Hilton Head Island's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Hilton Head Island, FL
Wikipedia →Tequesta is an incorporated village in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. It is the northernmost municipality in the Miami metropolitan area, which according to the 2020 United States census, had a total population of 6,158 South Florida residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hilton Head Island's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hilton Head Island, FL tap water safe to drink?
Hilton Head Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Hilton Head Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Hilton Head Island'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 Hilton Head Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hilton Head Island's water come from?
Hilton Head Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 608 residents.
What health violations has Hilton Head Island's water system had?
Hilton Head Island has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hilton Head Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hilton Head Island 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 11 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 Hilton Head Island's water compare to other cities?
Hilton Head Island ranks #115 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 70% of state cities) and #6422 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hilton Head Island's small water system affect quality?
Hilton Head Island's system serves approximately 608 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 11 violations on record.