Is Lake Helen, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Lake Helen, FL — Water Quality Report
Lake Helen's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,704 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 25 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lake Helen's water
Lake Helen ranks #54 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lake Helen 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 34.6 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Lake Helen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Helen, FL water safe to drink?
Lake Helen's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,704 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Helen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Helen's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Helen's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Helen's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 5 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 St. Johns River, Blue Springs.
Where does Lake Helen's water come from?
Lake Helen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,704 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Johns River (river), Blue Springs (spring).
What Lake Helen residents can do
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 Helen'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 Helen
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Helen, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA LLC-DEBARY POWER PLANT DEBARY, FL32713 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
MASCHMEYER-DEBARY BLK DEBARY, FL32713 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST - DELAND DELAND, FL32720 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
KINGSPAN INSULATED PANELS INC DE LAND, FL32724 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
PALL CORP DELAND, FL32724 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Helen
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SHERWOOD MEDICAL INDUSTRIES5.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Helen compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Helen ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Helen's water comes from
Lake Helen'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 2,704 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Helen
Lake Helen is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Helen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LAKE HELEN | FL3641550 | 2,704 | GW |
How Lake Helen compares
Full Florida rankings →Lake Helen's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Lake Helen, FL
Wikipedia →Lake Helen is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,842 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Helen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Volusia
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Helen, FL tap water safe to drink?
Lake Helen's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #54 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Lake Helen's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Lake Helen'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 Helen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Helen's water come from?
Lake Helen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,704 residents.
What health violations has Lake Helen's water system had?
Lake Helen has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Lake Helen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Helen 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 25 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 Helen's water compare to other cities?
Lake Helen ranks #54 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 86% of state cities) and #2786 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Helen's small water system affect quality?
Lake Helen's system serves approximately 2,704 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 25 violations on record.