WaterVerge

Is Malone, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: FL1324074
Overall Score
84.5 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#104 of 388 in Florida Top 37% nationally
State
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.5/100

Malone, FL — Water Quality Report

Malone's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,744 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 26 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Malone's water

Malone ranks #104 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Malone 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, Malone may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Malone, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Malone's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,744 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Malone

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malone's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDALIA

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 Malone's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Malone's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLMRMONTT
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Nitrate Resolved
Apr 2024 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2023 Nitrate Resolved
Dec 2022 Nitrate Resolved
Jul 2021 Nitrate Resolved

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..

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4828
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4734
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4680

Where does Malone's water come from?

Malone's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,744 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 Malone residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Malone's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Malone'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

26
Total violations
5
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

26 Total
5 Active
5 Health-based
21 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
9
Nitrate Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2025 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2025
Apr 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Oct 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2023
Dec 2022 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2022
Jul 2021 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2021
Sep 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2019
Oct 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jul 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
May 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2002
Jan 1999 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1999
Jun 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1993
May 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1993
May 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1993
Oct 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1992
Showing 20 of 26 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Jackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 87.7% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
21.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4828
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4734
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673
Sep 2022
TROPICAL STORM IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3584
Aug 2021
TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA #3562

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 23.0 ppb from 1993 (24.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
State
Population Served
1,744
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Malone's water comes from

Groundwater

Malone'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 1,744 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Malone

Malone is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Ochlockonee River Nr Havana, Fla.
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Malone

System Name PWSID Population Source
JACKSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FL1324074 1,307 GW
MALONE, TOWN OF WATER SYSTEM FL1320440 437 GW
Regional Comparison

How Malone compares

Full Florida rankings →

Malone's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Malone (this city)
84.5
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
City Profile

About Malone, 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.

Economic Profile
$45,855
Median Income
$82,491
Median Home Value
$725/mo
Median Rent
3.2%
Unemployment
Community
37.5
Median Age
274
People / sq mi
4.8%
College Educated
61.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Malone, FL tap water safe to drink?

Malone's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.

What contaminants are in Malone's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.

How is Malone'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 Malone?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Malone's water come from?

Malone's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,744 residents.

What health violations has Malone's water system had?

Malone has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Malone's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Malone 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 26 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 Malone's water compare to other cities?

Malone ranks #104 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 73% of state cities) and #5866 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.