Is Holly Hill, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper and HAA5 were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Holly Hill, FL — Water Quality Report
Holly Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 13,108 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Holly Hill's water
Holly Hill ranks #118 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Holly Hill 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.
Disinfection byproduct (HAA5) levels exceeded the EPA's 60 µg/L maximum contaminant level in UCMR 4 testing (2018–2020). These compounds form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter and have been linked to increased cancer risk with long-term exposure.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.24 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Holly Hill, FL water safe to drink?
Holly Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 13,108 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Holly Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Holly Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
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: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Holly Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Haloacetic acids exceed the EPA limit. These byproducts form when disinfectants react with organic matter in water.
Violation history
Holly Hill's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Volusia 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 Tomoka River.
Where does Holly Hill's water come from?
Holly Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 13,108 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tomoka River (river).
What Holly Hill residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Holly Hill'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Holly Hill'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Holly Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Holly Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ABB INSTALLATION PRODUCTS INC ORMOND BEACH, FL32174 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
BRADDOCK METALLURGICAL DAYTONA BEACH, FL32114 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
TITAN FLORIDA-DAYTONA RMC PLANT DAYTONA BEACH, FL32114 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
ARGOS DAYTONA CONCRETE PLANT DAYTONA BEACH, FL32124 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
PREFERRED-DAYTONA RM DAYTONA BEACH, FL32124 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtVolusia 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
Volusia 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Holly Hill's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (1992)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Holly Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Holly Hill ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Holly Hill's water comes from
Holly Hill'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 13,108 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Holly Hill
Holly Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Holly Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF HOLLY HILL | FL3640557 | 13,108 | GW |
How Holly Hill compares
Full Florida rankings →Holly Hill's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Holly Hill, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Holly Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Volusia
Frequently asked questions
Is Holly Hill, FL tap water safe to drink?
Holly Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #118 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Holly Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 24 violations are on record.
How is Holly Hill'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 Holly Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Holly Hill's water come from?
Holly Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 13,108 residents.
Is Holly Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Holly Hill 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 24 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 Holly Hill's water compare to other cities?
Holly Hill ranks #118 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 70% of state cities) and #6534 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.