Is Utuado, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.2/100
waterverge.com Utuado, PR — Water Quality Report
Utuado's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 876 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 145 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Utuado's water
Utuado ranks #19 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Utuado may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Utuado, PR water safe to drink?
Utuado's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 876 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Utuado
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Utuado's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Utuado's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Utuado's water system has 145 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Utuado's water come from?
Utuado's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 876 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rio Camuy Nr Bayaney (river), Lago Garzas Nr Adjuntas (lake), Rio Grande De Arecibo Nr Adjuntas (river), Lago Adjuntas (lake), Rio Grande De Arecibo (river).
What Utuado residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Utuado'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Utuado compares by contaminant
Explore where Utuado ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Utuado's water comes from
Utuado's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 876 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Utuado
Utuado is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Utuado
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAMEYES ABAJO | PR0003122 | 876 | SW |
How Utuado compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Utuado's score of 74.2/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Utuado, PR
Wikipedia →Utuado is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the central mountainous region of the island known as the Cordillera Central. It is located north of Adjuntas and Ponce; south of Hatillo and Arecibo; east of Lares; and west of Ciales and Jayuya. It is the third-largest municipality in land area in Puerto Rico. According to the 2020 US Census, the municipality has a population of 28,287 spread over 24 barrios and Utuado pueblo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Utuado's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Utuado Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Utuado, PR tap water safe to drink?
Utuado's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #19 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Utuado's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 145 violations are on record.
How is Utuado'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 Utuado?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Utuado's water come from?
Utuado's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 876 residents.
What health violations has Utuado's water system had?
Utuado has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Utuado's water compare to other cities?
Utuado ranks #19 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 81% of state cities) and #9921 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Utuado's small water system affect quality?
Utuado's system serves approximately 876 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 145 violations on record.