Is Palm City, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.8/100
waterverge.com Palm City, FL — Water Quality Report
Palm City's drinking water received a grade of C (61.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 44 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palm City's water
Palm City ranks #254 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Palm City 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, Palm City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palm City, FL water safe to drink?
Palm City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Palm City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palm City's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.8/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palm City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palm City's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Martin 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 Lucie Canal, St Lucie River.
Where does Palm City's water come from?
Palm City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,573 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 Lucie Canal (stream), St Lucie River (river).
What Palm City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palm City'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.
Palm City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Palm City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Palm City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STUART COMPOSITES JENSEN BEACH, FL34957 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
TURBOCOMBUSTOR TECHNOLOGY INC. STUART, FL34997 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
MASCHMEYER-MARTIN RM STUART, FL34997 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
CEMEX STUART STUART, FL34994 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Palm City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SOLITRON MICROWAVE6.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaint Lucie 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
Martin 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Palm City compares by contaminant
Explore where Palm City ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palm City's water comes from
Palm City'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 1,573 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Palm City
Palm City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Palm City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARBOUR RIDGE | FL4565002 | 1,573 | GW |
How Palm City compares
Full Florida rankings →Palm City's score of 61.8/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Palm City, FL
Wikipedia →Palm City is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Martin County, Florida, United States. The population was 25,883 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palm City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Lucie
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm City, FL tap water safe to drink?
Palm City's water quality earned a grade of C (61.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #254 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Palm City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Palm City'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 Palm City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palm City's water come from?
Palm City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,573 residents.
What health violations has Palm City's water system had?
Palm City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Palm City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Palm City 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 44 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 Palm City's water compare to other cities?
Palm City ranks #254 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 35% of state cities) and #11955 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Palm City's small water system affect quality?
Palm City's system serves approximately 1,573 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 44 violations on record.