Is Nalcrest, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Nalcrest, FL — Water Quality Report
Nalcrest's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 41 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nalcrest's water
Nalcrest ranks #146 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Nalcrest 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, Nalcrest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nalcrest, FL water safe to drink?
Nalcrest's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nalcrest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nalcrest's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nalcrest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nalcrest's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Tiger Creek, Lake Weohyakapka, Lake Rosalie, Livingston Creek.
Where does Nalcrest's water come from?
Nalcrest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tiger Creek (river), Lake Weohyakapka (lake), Lake Rosalie (lake), Livingston Creek (river).
What Nalcrest 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.
Nalcrest'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 droughtPolk 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
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nalcrest compares by contaminant
Explore where Nalcrest ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nalcrest's water comes from
Nalcrest'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 2,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nalcrest
Nalcrest is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nalcrest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLD COAST UTILITY | FL3531008 | 2,500 | GW |
How Nalcrest compares
Full Florida rankings →Nalcrest's score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Nalcrest, FL
Wikipedia →Lakeshore, formerly known as Fedhaven, is an unincorporated community in Polk County, Florida, United States. Lakeshore is located in eastern Polk County, 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Nalcrest and 11 miles (18 km) east-southeast of Lake Wales. The community was established in the 1960s as a retirement community for former federal employees, and was thus named Fedhaven; when the land was later sold to private ownership, its name was changed to Lakeshore. Lakeshore has a post office with ZIP code 33854; Fedhaven and Lake Wales are both considered alternate addresses for the community. In 2004, three hurricanes severely damaged Lakeshore.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nalcrest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Nalcrest, FL tap water safe to drink?
Nalcrest's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #146 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Nalcrest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Nalcrest'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 Nalcrest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nalcrest's water come from?
Nalcrest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 residents.
What health violations has Nalcrest's water system had?
Nalcrest has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nalcrest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nalcrest 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 41 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 Nalcrest's water compare to other cities?
Nalcrest ranks #146 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 62% of state cities) and #8194 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nalcrest's small water system affect quality?
Nalcrest's system serves approximately 2,500 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 41 violations on record.