Is Laurel Hill, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.8/100
waterverge.com Laurel Hill, FL — Water Quality Report
Laurel Hill's drinking water received a grade of A (90.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,802 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 8 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Laurel Hill's water
Laurel Hill ranks #37 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Laurel Hill 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, Laurel Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Laurel Hill, FL water safe to drink?
Laurel Hill's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,802 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Laurel Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Laurel Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4673). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Laurel Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Laurel Hill's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Okaloosa 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 Yellow River Nr Oak Grove, Fla..
Where does Laurel Hill's water come from?
Laurel Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,802 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow River Nr Oak Grove, Fla. (river).
What Laurel Hill 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.
Laurel Hill'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 droughtOkaloosa 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
Okaloosa 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Laurel Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Laurel Hill ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Laurel Hill's water comes from
Laurel Hill'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 1,802 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Laurel Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAUREL HILL, CITY OF | FL1460416 | 1,802 | GW |
How Laurel Hill compares
Full Florida rankings →Laurel Hill's score of 90.8/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Laurel Hill, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Laurel Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Okaloosa
Frequently asked questions
Is Laurel Hill, FL tap water safe to drink?
Laurel Hill's water quality earned a grade of A (90.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Laurel Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Laurel Hill'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 Laurel Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Laurel Hill's water come from?
Laurel Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,802 residents.
What health violations has Laurel Hill's water system had?
Laurel Hill has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Laurel Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Laurel Hill 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 8 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 Laurel Hill's water compare to other cities?
Laurel Hill ranks #37 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 90% of state cities) and #2043 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Laurel Hill's small water system affect quality?
Laurel Hill's system serves approximately 1,802 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 8 violations on record.