Is Lutz, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Lutz, FL — Water Quality Report
Lutz's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 5,707 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 387 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lutz's water
Lutz ranks #322 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lutz 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 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lutz, FL water safe to drink?
Lutz's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 5,707 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lutz
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lutz's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lutz's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lutz's water system has 387 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Bullfrog Creek, Alafia River, Archie Creek, North Archie Creek, Delaney Creek Popoff Canal.
Where does Lutz's water come from?
Lutz's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 16 water systems serving approximately 5,707 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bullfrog Creek (river), Alafia River (stream), Archie Creek (river), North Archie Creek (river), Delaney Creek Popoff Canal (river).
What Lutz residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lutz'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.
Lutz'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 Lutz
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lutz, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 101 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UFP TAMPA LLC TAMPA, FL33612 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 101 | 5.2 mi |
METTLER TOLEDO LUTZ, FL33558 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
CLARIOS LLC TAMPA, FL33612 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
BALL METAL BEVERAGE CONTAINER CORP TAMPA, FL33617 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
CEMEX 56TH ST. TAMPA, FL33610 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lutz
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.
- NORMANDY PARK APARTMENTS7.1 mi
- SOUTHERN SOLVENTS INC7.8 mi
- ARKLA TERRA PROPERTY9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHillsborough 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
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lutz'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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lutz compares by contaminant
Explore where Lutz ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lutz's water comes from
Lutz'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 private ownership and serves approximately 5,707 people through 16 water systems.
Water bodies near Lutz
Lutz is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lutz
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINDEMERE UTILITY | FL6290116 | 3,080 | GW |
| PARADISE LAKES | FL6514545 | 1,173 | GW |
| SUNRISE MHP | FL6291761 | 375 | GW |
| THE LAKES OF WELLINGTON | FL6296085 | 260 | GW |
| HCWRD/SAN REMO SUBDIVISION | FL6291581 | 232 | GW |
| LIVINGSTON MHP | FL6291096 | 130 | GW |
| SUNSET MANOR | FL6295413 | 74 | GW |
| GROVE MHP | FL6290696 | 68 | GW |
| TAMPA SUN ESTATES #6 | FL6290401 | 66 | GW |
| HCWRD/CYPRESS COVE SUBDIVISION | FL6290416 | 59 | GW |
| PALMS OF LUTZ | FL6290251 | 45 | GW |
| PINE TREE VILLAGE MHP | FL6291023 | 40 | GW |
| BURRELL DUPLEXES | FL6296217 | 30 | GW |
| LAKE ROSE VILLAGE | FL6290997 | 25 | GW |
| MG TRAILER PARK | FL6292649 | 25 | GW |
| SILVER STAR MHP | FL6295565 | 25 | GW |
How Lutz compares
Full Florida rankings →Lutz's score of 44/100 is below the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Lutz, FL
Wikipedia →Tampa is a major city on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Hillsborough County. Tampa's borders include the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Tampa Bay. It is the third-most populous city in Florida, thirteenth-most populous in the Southeast, and 49th-most populous city in the country, with a population of 403,364 at the 2020 census. The Tampa Bay metropolitan area, at over 3.42 million residents, is the second-largest metropolitan area in Florida and 17th-largest in the United States. The Greater Tampa Bay area has over 4 million residents and generally includes the Tampa and Sarasota metro areas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lutz's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Lutz, FL tap water safe to drink?
Lutz's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #322 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Lutz's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 387 violations are on record.
How is Lutz'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 Lutz?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lutz's water come from?
Lutz's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 16 water systems serving approximately 5,707 residents.
What health violations has Lutz's water system had?
Lutz has 30 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. 56 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lutz's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lutz 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 387 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 Lutz's water compare to other cities?
Lutz ranks #322 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 17% of state cities) and #14456 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.