Is Holt, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.1/100
waterverge.com Holt, FL — Water Quality Report
Holt's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,582 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Holt's water
Holt ranks #110 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Holt 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, Holt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Holt, FL water safe to drink?
Holt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,582 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Holt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Holt's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4673). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Holt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Holt's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Okaloosa 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 Yellow River, Blackwater River Nr Baker, Fla., Blackwater River Nr Harold.
Where does Holt's water come from?
Holt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,582 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow River (river), Blackwater River Nr Baker, Fla. (river), Blackwater River Nr Harold (river).
What Holt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Holt'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.
Holt'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 droughtOkaloosa 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
Okaloosa 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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Holt compares by contaminant
Explore where Holt ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Holt's water comes from
Holt'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 2,582 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Holt
Holt is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Holt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLT WATER WORKS, INC. | FL1460352 | 2,582 | GW |
How Holt compares
Full Florida rankings →Holt's score of 84.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Holt, FL
Wikipedia →Holt is an unincorporated community located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. Its area code is 850, and its ZIP code is 32564.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Holt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Okaloosa
Frequently asked questions
Is Holt, FL tap water safe to drink?
Holt's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #110 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Holt's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Holt'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 Holt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Holt's water come from?
Holt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,582 residents.
Is Holt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Holt 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 12 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 Holt's water compare to other cities?
Holt ranks #110 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 72% of state cities) and #6087 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Holt's small water system affect quality?
Holt's system serves approximately 2,582 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 12 violations on record.