Is Jayuya, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.9/100
Jayuya, PR — Water Quality Report
Jayuya's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 73 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jayuya's water
Jayuya ranks #20 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Jayuya may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jayuya, PR water safe to drink?
Jayuya's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jayuya
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jayuya's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jayuya's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Jayuya's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Jayuya's water come from?
Jayuya's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 561 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Canal De Juana Diaz (stream), Rio Grande De Arecibo Nr Adjuntas (river), Lago Adjuntas (lake), Rio Grande De Arecibo (river), Lago Vivi (lake).
What Jayuya residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jayuya'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jayuya'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jayuya compares by contaminant
Explore where Jayuya ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jayuya's water comes from
Jayuya's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 561 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jayuya
Jayuya is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jayuya
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA PICA | PR0003042 | 561 | SW |
How Jayuya compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Jayuya's score of 73.9/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Jayuya, PR
Wikipedia →Jayuya is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the mountainous center region of the island, north of Ponce; east of Utuado; and west of Ciales. Jayuya is spread over 10 barrios and Jayuya Pueblo. It is the principal city of the Jayuya Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jayuya's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jayuya Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Jayuya, PR tap water safe to drink?
Jayuya's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #20 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Jayuya's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Jayuya'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 Jayuya?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jayuya's water come from?
Jayuya's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 561 residents.
What health violations has Jayuya's water system had?
Jayuya has 31 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jayuya's water compare to other cities?
Jayuya ranks #20 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 80% of state cities) and #9995 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jayuya's small water system affect quality?
Jayuya's system serves approximately 561 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 73 violations on record.