Is Osteen, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Osteen, FL — Water Quality Report
Osteen's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 753 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 25 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Osteen's water
Osteen ranks #123 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Osteen 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, Osteen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Osteen, FL water safe to drink?
Osteen's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 753 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Osteen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Osteen's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Osteen'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
Osteen's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 4 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 St. Johns River Above Lake Harney, Soldier Creek, Gee Creek, Lake Jesup Outlet.
Where does Osteen's water come from?
Osteen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 753 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Johns River Above Lake Harney (river), Soldier Creek (river), Gee Creek (river), Lake Jesup Outlet (river).
What Osteen residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Osteen'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.
Osteen'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 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Osteen'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. | 0.2 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Osteen compares by contaminant
Explore where Osteen ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Osteen's water comes from
Osteen'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 private ownership and serves approximately 753 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Osteen
Osteen is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Osteen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOVE ESTATES | FL3640643 | 552 | GW |
| LEMON BLUFF WATER ASSOCIATION | FL3640748 | 201 | GW |
How Osteen compares
Full Florida rankings →Osteen's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Osteen, FL
Wikipedia →Osteen is an unincorporated community in southwest Volusia County, Florida, United States. Osteen is near the St. Johns River as well as typical swamps, forests and wildlife of Florida. Osteen attracts a number of visitors for these qualities. There are numerous camping areas and preserves such as the Hickory Bluff Preserve, a 150-acre nature preserve with hiking and horse trails.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Osteen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Volusia
Frequently asked questions
Is Osteen, FL tap water safe to drink?
Osteen's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Osteen's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Osteen'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 Osteen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Osteen's water come from?
Osteen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 753 residents.
What health violations has Osteen's water system had?
Osteen has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Osteen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Osteen 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 25 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 Osteen's water compare to other cities?
Osteen ranks #123 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 68% of state cities) and #6840 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.