Is Palm Harbor, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
60.9/100
waterverge.com Palm Harbor, FL — Water Quality Report
Palm Harbor's drinking water received a grade of C (60.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,199 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 40 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palm Harbor's water
Palm Harbor ranks #256 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Palm Harbor 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 Harbor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palm Harbor, FL water safe to drink?
Palm Harbor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,199 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Palm Harbor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palm Harbor's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4844). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palm Harbor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palm Harbor's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Seminole County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2022. 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 Howell Creek, Soldier Creek, Gee Creek, Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs.
Where does Palm Harbor's water come from?
Palm Harbor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,199 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Howell Creek (river), Soldier Creek (river), Gee Creek (river), Wekiwa Springs (spring), Rock Springs (spring).
What Palm Harbor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palm Harbor'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 Harbor'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 Harbor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Palm Harbor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KIMBALL ELECTRONICS TAMPA TAMPA, FL33626 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
LEADER TECH INC. TAMPA, FL33626 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
EEI MANUFACTURING SERVICE CLEARWATER, FL33756 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
INSTRUMENTS TRANSFORMERS LLC CLEARWATER, FL33765 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
BRENNTAG MID-SOUTH INC. CLEARWATER, FL33765 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Palm Harbor
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.
- STAUFFER CHEMICAL CO TARPON SPRINGS5.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPinellas 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
Seminole County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2022. 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 Harbor compares by contaminant
Explore where Palm Harbor ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palm Harbor's water comes from
Palm Harbor'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 3,199 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Palm Harbor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE TARPON MOBILE HOME VILLAG | FL6521000 | 1,799 | GW |
| INNISBROOK RESORT AND GOLF CLUB | FL6524777 | 1,400 | SWP |
How Palm Harbor compares
Full Florida rankings →Palm Harbor's score of 60.9/100 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 Harbor, FL
Wikipedia →Altamonte Springs is a suburban city in Central Florida in Seminole County, Florida, United States, which had a population of 46,231 at the 2020 United States census. The city is in the northern suburbs of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area, which the United States Census Bureau estimated had a population of 2,673,376 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palm Harbor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pinellas
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Harbor, FL tap water safe to drink?
Palm Harbor's water quality earned a grade of C (60.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #256 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Palm Harbor's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Palm Harbor'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 Harbor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palm Harbor's water come from?
Palm Harbor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,199 residents.
What health violations has Palm Harbor's water system had?
Palm Harbor has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Palm Harbor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Palm Harbor 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 40 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 Harbor's water compare to other cities?
Palm Harbor ranks #256 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 34% of state cities) and #12038 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.