01The verdict: is Lake Wales water safe?
Lake Wales's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 23,080 residents using groundwater (wells).
PFOA is over its legal limit
Measured at 0.0080 µg/L against the EPA MCL of 0.004 µg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.
See the measurement ↓Lead is well under the limit
90th-percentile lead is 0.0 ppb — beneath the 15 ppb federal action level and under the 5 ppb watch threshold.
See the trend ↓248 violations in the last five years
Recent compliance history is the best predictor of future problems — the year-by-year record is below.
See the record ↓Lake Wales's drinking water received a grade of F (42.8 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 23,080 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 5 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply. The system has 619 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved.
Lake Wales ranks #313 out of 366 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Lake Wales 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. Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon. Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration. The system has seen 248 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in Lake Wales's water
Every contaminant flagged in Lake Wales, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Over MCL — EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L
PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels, which utilities must meet by 2029. These compounds don't break down in the body or the environment. Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or certified granular activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53) removes them at the tap.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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | 0.004 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.008 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.008 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | 0.006 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Florida
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Florida
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Lake Wales's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 619 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved.
1 of the last ten years was clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 0.30 ppb since 1992. Latest reading: 1.7 ppb (2024) — 11% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Lake Wales's water comes from
Lake Wales's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
22 systems
22 water systems, operated under local government ownership.
23,080 people
Residents served across Lake Wales's service area.
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 23,080 people through 22 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE WALES, CITY OF | FL6532234 | 18,722 | Groundwater |
| CITY OF LAKE WALES/PARK WATER COMPANY | FL6530408 | 1,948 | Groundwater |
| WAVERLY WATER SYSTEM | FL6535707 | 1,479 | Groundwater |
| SADDLEBAG LAKE RESORT | FL6531572 | 1,200 | Groundwater |
| WALK-IN-THE-WATER LAKE ESTATES | FL3531009 | 502 | Groundwater |
| KISSIMMEE RIVER PARK AND MARINA | FL3530946 | 425 | Groundwater |
| MOUNTAIN LAKES CORPORTION | FL6531226 | 300 | Groundwater |
| BEDROCK TOWERWOOD MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | FL6534441 | 300 | Groundwater |
| BREEZE HILL MOBILE HOME PARK | FL3532355 | 279 | Groundwater |
| VILLAGE OF HIGHLAND PARK | FL6530772 | 246 | Groundwater |
| ENCHANTED GROVE MHP | FL6531751 | 230 | Groundwater |
| THE HARBOR WATERFRONT RESORT | FL3530736 | 211 | Groundwater |
| ROSALIE OAKS | FL3531546 | 205 | Groundwater |
| ORANGE ACRES RANCH | FL6534996 | 200 | Groundwater |
| GRAPE HAMMOCK | FL3530683 | 120 | Groundwater |
| HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY | FL6531052 | 100 | Groundwater |
| DIRECT CAPITAL GREEN ACRES LLC | FL6535084 | 62 | Groundwater |
| SOUTH SHORE RESORT | FL6534223 | 60 | Groundwater |
| CAMP ROSALIE | FL3530240 | 59 | Groundwater |
| SPRING LAKE ESTATES LLC | FL6531697 | 55 | Groundwater |
| LAKE KISSIMMEE MHP | FL3535116 | 35 | Groundwater |
| NEW HARMONY M H P | FL6532235 | 26 | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Lake Wales
These water bodies shape the regional watershed and can indirectly affect groundwater quality.
05Pressure on Lake Wales's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Industrial discharge
5 facilities within 10 miles reported 0 lb released to surface water in the latest EPA Toxics Release Inventory. Proximity doesn't equal tap contamination — treatment and hydrology decide — but it's pressure on the watershed.
Flood & storm history
10 federal disaster declarations on record for Polk County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
Drought
Polk County is in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of Jul 2026). Drought can raise disinfection-byproduct levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
06How Lake Wales compares
Scores for nearby Florida cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Florida average (49/100)
Lake Wales scores 42.8/100 — below the Florida average of 49/100. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities. Full Florida rankings →
35 / 100FOrlando, FL
36.8 / 100FTampa, FL
34.4 / 100FJacksonville, FL
39.7 / 100CWest Palm Beach, FL
59.2 / 100FBradenton, FL
41.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Lake Wales's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Reverse osmosis system. PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
Compare tested filters →Read your utility's annual report
Every utility must publish a yearly Consumer Confidence Report with its own testing results. It pairs well with the independent data on this page.
How to read a CCR →Watch for Lake Wales alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Wales, FL tap water safe to drink?
Lake Wales's water quality earned a grade of F (42.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #313 out of 366 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Lake Wales's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 PFAS compounds were detected. 619 violations are on record.
How is Lake Wales'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 Wales?
PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.
Where does Lake Wales's water come from?
Lake Wales's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 22 water systems serving approximately 23,080 residents.
What health violations has Lake Wales's water system had?
Lake Wales has 56 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 98 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Wales's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Wales 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 619 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.
Why does Lake Wales have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
5 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Lake Wales's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.
How does Lake Wales's water compare to other cities?
Lake Wales ranks #313 out of 366 cities in Florida (better than 14% of state cities) and #14430 out of 15382 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.