Is Howey In The Hills, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50.3/100
waterverge.com Howey In The Hills, FL — Water Quality Report
Howey In The Hills's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,531 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 51 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Howey In The Hills's water
Howey In The Hills ranks #289 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Howey In The Hills 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, Howey In The Hills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Howey In The Hills, FL water safe to drink?
Howey In The Hills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,531 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Howey In The Hills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Howey In The Hills's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.3/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nitrate, TTHM.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Howey In The Hills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Howey In The Hills's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake 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 Palatlakaha R, Palatlakaha R Bl Spwy, Palatlakaha River, Palatlakaha River Below Spwy,, Palatlakaha R Below Structure M-6 Nr Mascotte.
Where does Howey In The Hills's water come from?
Howey In The Hills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,531 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Palatlakaha R (river), Palatlakaha R Bl Spwy (river), Palatlakaha River (river), Palatlakaha River Below Spwy, (river), Palatlakaha R Below Structure M-6 Nr Mascotte (river).
What Howey In The Hills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Howey In The Hills'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.
Howey In The Hills'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 droughtLake 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
Lake 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Howey In The Hills'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Howey In The Hills compares by contaminant
Explore where Howey In The Hills ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Howey In The Hills's water comes from
Howey In The Hills'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 2,531 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Howey In The Hills
Howey In The Hills is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Howey In The Hills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOWEY IN THE HILLS (2 WPS) | FL3350573 | 2,027 | GW |
| LAS COLINAS WATER PLANT | FL3354944 | 260 | GW |
| BISHOPS GATE PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC | FL3354836 | 244 | GW |
How Howey In The Hills compares
Full Florida rankings →Howey In The Hills's score of 50.3/100 is on par with the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Howey In The Hills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Howey In The Hills, FL tap water safe to drink?
Howey In The Hills's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #289 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Howey In The Hills's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is Howey In The Hills'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 Howey In The Hills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Howey In The Hills's water come from?
Howey In The Hills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,531 residents.
What health violations has Howey In The Hills's water system had?
Howey In The Hills has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Howey In The Hills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Howey In The Hills 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 51 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 Howey In The Hills's water compare to other cities?
Howey In The Hills ranks #289 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 26% of state cities) and #13021 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.