WaterVerge

Is Pierson, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: FL3641324
Overall Score
72.9 / 100
Violations
22 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#207 of 388 in Florida Top 65% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.9/100
waterverge.com
B- 72.9/100

Pierson, FL — Water Quality Report

Pierson's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,757 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 59 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Pierson's water

Pierson ranks #207 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Pierson 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, Pierson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
72.9 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
25.9/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Pierson, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Pierson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,757 residents using groundwater (wells).

22
Active Violations
2.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pierson

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pierson's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pierson's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Pierson's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTTTOtherMRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Feb 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Feb 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Aug 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

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.

HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-4834
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-3622
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4734

Where does Pierson's water come from?

Pierson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,757 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 (stream).

What Pierson residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pierson's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Pierson'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 19% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

59
Total violations
4
Health-based
22
Active / unresolved
Feb 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

59 Total
22 Active
4 Health-based
37 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
16
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Total Coliform Rule
10
Nitrate Rule
8
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
2
Feb 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Feb 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jun 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 59 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pierson

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pierson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SPARTON DELEON SPRINGS LLC
Computers and Electronic Products · ELBIT SYSTEMS OF AMERICA LLC
DE LEON SPRINGS, FL32130
9.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Volusia 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
18.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #4834
Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #3622
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4734
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673
Sep 2022
TROPICAL STORM IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3584

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 5.3 ppb from 1993 (2.5 ppb) to 2024 (7.8 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,757
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Pierson's water comes from

Groundwater

Pierson'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 2,757 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Pierson

Pierson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

St. Johns River
stream
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pierson

System Name PWSID Population Source
PIERSON, TOWN OF FL3641324 2,657 GW
SUNNY SANDS RESORT FL3641308 100 GW
Regional Comparison

How Pierson compares

Full Florida rankings →

Pierson's score of 72.9/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Pierson (this city)
72.9
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
City Profile

About Pierson, FL

Wikipedia →

Pierson is a town in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The town is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,542 as of the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$50,179
Median Income
$215,744
Median Home Value
0%
Unemployment
Community
45.7
Median Age
50
People / sq mi
12.8%
College Educated
70.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Pierson, FL tap water safe to drink?

Pierson's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #207 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.

What contaminants are in Pierson's water?

Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.

How is Pierson'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 Pierson?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Pierson's water come from?

Pierson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,757 residents.

What health violations has Pierson's water system had?

Pierson has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.

Is Pierson's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Pierson 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 59 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 Pierson's water compare to other cities?

Pierson ranks #207 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 47% of state cities) and #10205 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.