Is Polk City, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.9/100
waterverge.com Polk City, FL — Water Quality Report
Polk City's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,142 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 107 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Polk City's water
Polk City ranks #272 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Polk 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.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Polk City, FL water safe to drink?
Polk City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,142 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Polk City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Polk City's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.9/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform 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, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Polk City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Polk City's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Green Swamp Run, Saddle Creek, Lake Parker Outlet.
Where does Polk City's water come from?
Polk City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 7,142 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Green Swamp Run (river), Saddle Creek (river), Lake Parker Outlet (stream).
What Polk City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Polk 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.
Polk 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 Polk City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Polk City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COASTAL AN OLDCASTLE CO AUBURNDALE, FL33823 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 8.6 mi |
GIVAUDAN FLAVORS CORP LAKELAND, FL33801 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
CD MCINTOSH JR POWER PLANT LAKELAND, FL33805 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
COCA-COLA N.A. AUBURNDALE, FL33823 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
UFP AUBURNDALE LLC AUBURNDALE, FL33823 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPolk 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
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Polk City compares by contaminant
Explore where Polk City ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Polk City's water comes from
Polk 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 7,142 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Polk City
Polk City is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Polk City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT OLIVE ESTATES | FL6532345 | 2,724 | GW |
| POLK CITY SYSTEM | FL6531424 | 2,568 | GW |
| POLK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | FL6531426 | 1,500 | GW |
| LELYNN RV RESORT | FL6535070 | 350 | GW |
How Polk City compares
Full Florida rankings →Polk City's score of 56.9/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Polk City, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Polk City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Polk City, FL tap water safe to drink?
Polk City's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #272 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Polk City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Polk 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 Polk City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Polk City's water come from?
Polk City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 7,142 residents.
What health violations has Polk City's water system had?
Polk City has 2 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Polk City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Polk 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 107 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 Polk City's water compare to other cities?
Polk City ranks #272 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 30% of state cities) and #12412 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.