Is Lake Butler, 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 ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Lake Butler, FL — Water Quality Report
Lake Butler's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,875 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 55 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Butler's water
Lake Butler ranks #188 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake Butler 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.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Butler, FL water safe to drink?
Lake Butler's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Butler
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Butler's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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-4734). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Butler's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Butler's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leon 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 Ochlockonee River Nr Havana, Fla..
Where does Lake Butler's water come from?
Lake Butler's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ochlockonee River Nr Havana, Fla. (river).
What Lake Butler residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Butler'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.
Lake Butler'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lake Butler
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Butler, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRODALIM USA INC. WINTER GARDEN, FL34787 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
MODERN WELDING CO OF FLOR IDA INC. ORLANDO, FL32806 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO ORLANDO, FL32809 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
OSHKOSH AEROTECH ORLANDO, FL32809 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
PORT CONSOLIDATED INC. ORLANDO, FL32809 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtUnion County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Leon 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Butler compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Butler ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Butler's water comes from
Lake Butler'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 state ownership and serves approximately 4,875 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Butler
Lake Butler is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Butler
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RECEPTION AND MEDICAL CENTER | FL2634222 | 3,000 | GW |
| LAKE BUTLER WTP | FL2630202 | 1,875 | GW |
How Lake Butler compares
Full Florida rankings →Lake Butler's score of 75/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Lake Butler, FL
Wikipedia →Tallahassee is the capital city of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of and the only incorporated municipality in Leon County. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2024, the estimated population was 205,089, making it the eighth-most populous city in the state of Florida. It is the principal city of the Tallahassee, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 397,675 as of 2024. Tallahassee is the largest city in the Florida Big Bend and Florida Panhandle regions.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Butler's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Butler, FL tap water safe to drink?
Lake Butler's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #188 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Lake Butler's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Lake Butler'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 Lake Butler?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Butler's water come from?
Lake Butler's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,875 residents.
What health violations has Lake Butler's water system had?
Lake Butler has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Butler's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Butler 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 55 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 Lake Butler's water compare to other cities?
Lake Butler ranks #188 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 52% of state cities) and #9691 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.