Is New Smyrna Beach, FL 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 ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com New Smyrna Beach, FL — Water Quality Report
New Smyrna Beach's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 68,203 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 58 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Smyrna Beach's water
New Smyrna Beach ranks #136 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Smyrna Beach 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 36.8 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.19 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Smyrna Beach, FL water safe to drink?
New Smyrna Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 68,203 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Smyrna Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Smyrna Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Smyrna Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Smyrna Beach's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Volusia 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 Spruce Creek.
Where does New Smyrna Beach's water come from?
New Smyrna Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 68,203 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spruce Creek (river).
What New Smyrna Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Smyrna Beach'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.
New Smyrna Beach'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of New Smyrna Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Smyrna Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
R J DOUGHERTY LLC DBA EVERGLADES BOATS - EAST EDGEWATER, FL32132 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
EDGEWATER POWER BOATS LLC EDGEWATER, FL32132 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
RJ DOUGHERTY ASSOCIATES LLC DBA EVERGLADES BOATS EDGEWATER, FL32132 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
BLUE WATER DYNAMICS LLC DBA DOUGHERTY MANUFACTURING EDGEWATER, FL32132 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
TITAN FLORIDA-EDGEWATER (RM & BLOCK) EDGEWATER, FL32132 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtVolusia 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
Volusia 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.
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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Smyrna Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where New Smyrna Beach ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Smyrna Beach's water comes from
New Smyrna Beach'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 68,203 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Smyrna Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH | FL3640876 | 67,847 | GW |
| ELDORADO ESTATES | FL3640336 | 264 | GW |
| LAKE ASHBY MHP | FL3640682 | 92 | GW |
How New Smyrna Beach compares
Full Florida rankings →New Smyrna Beach's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About New Smyrna Beach, FL
Wikipedia →New Smyrna Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States, located on the central east coast of the state, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The downtown section of the city is located on the west side of the Indian River and the Indian River Lagoon system. The Coronado Beach Bridge crosses the Intracoastal Waterway just south of Ponce de Leon Inlet, connecting the mainland with the beach on the coastal barrier island. The population was 30,142 at the 2020 census; according to 2023 census estimates, the city is estimated to have a population of 32,655.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Smyrna Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Volusia
Frequently asked questions
Is New Smyrna Beach, FL tap water safe to drink?
New Smyrna Beach's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #136 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in New Smyrna Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 58 violations are on record.
How is New Smyrna Beach'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 New Smyrna Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Smyrna Beach's water come from?
New Smyrna Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 68,203 residents.
What health violations has New Smyrna Beach's water system had?
New Smyrna Beach has 18 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Smyrna Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Smyrna Beach 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 58 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 New Smyrna Beach's water compare to other cities?
New Smyrna Beach ranks #136 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 65% of state cities) and #7863 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.