Is Mayo, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
55.1/100
waterverge.com Mayo, FL — Water Quality Report
Mayo's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,455 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 146 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mayo's water
Mayo ranks #280 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mayo 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, Mayo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mayo, FL water safe to drink?
Mayo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,455 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mayo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mayo's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Mayo'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
Mayo's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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..
Where does Mayo's water come from?
Mayo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,455 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 Mayo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mayo'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.
Mayo'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
D4 — exceptional droughtLafayette County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mayo'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mayo compares by contaminant
Explore where Mayo ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mayo's water comes from
Mayo'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 2,455 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mayo
Mayo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mayo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAYO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | FL2341182 | 1,400 | GW |
| MAYO WTP | FL2341181 | 1,055 | GW |
How Mayo compares
Full Florida rankings →Mayo's score of 55.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Mayo, 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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mayo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lafayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Mayo, FL tap water safe to drink?
Mayo's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #280 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Mayo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Mayo'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 Mayo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mayo's water come from?
Mayo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,455 residents.
What health violations has Mayo's water system had?
Mayo has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mayo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mayo 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 146 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 Mayo's water compare to other cities?
Mayo ranks #280 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 28% of state cities) and #12554 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.