Is Ponce De Leon, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Ponce De Leon, FL — Water Quality Report
Ponce De Leon's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ponce De Leon's water
Ponce De Leon ranks #31 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ponce De Leon 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, Ponce De Leon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ponce De Leon, FL water safe to drink?
Ponce De Leon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ponce De Leon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ponce De Leon's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4680). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ponce De Leon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ponce De Leon's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Holmes County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Choctawhatchee River, Bruce Creek.
Where does Ponce De Leon's water come from?
Ponce De Leon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Choctawhatchee River (river), Bruce Creek (river).
What Ponce De Leon residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ponce De Leon'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 droughtHolmes 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
Holmes County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ponce De Leon compares by contaminant
Explore where Ponce De Leon ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ponce De Leon's water comes from
Ponce De Leon'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ponce De Leon
Ponce De Leon is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ponce De Leon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONCE DE LEON, TOWN OF | FL1304034 | 850 | GW |
How Ponce De Leon compares
Full Florida rankings →Ponce De Leon's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Ponce De Leon, FL
Wikipedia →Ponce de Leon is a town in Holmes County, Florida, United States. The Town of Ponce de Leon was named after Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León. It is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 504 at the 2020 census, down from 598 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ponce De Leon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holmes
Frequently asked questions
Is Ponce De Leon, FL tap water safe to drink?
Ponce De Leon's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Ponce De Leon's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Ponce De Leon'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 Ponce De Leon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ponce De Leon's water come from?
Ponce De Leon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Ponce De Leon's water system had?
Ponce De Leon has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ponce De Leon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ponce De Leon 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 18 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 Ponce De Leon's water compare to other cities?
Ponce De Leon ranks #31 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 92% of state cities) and #1836 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ponce De Leon's small water system affect quality?
Ponce De Leon's system serves approximately 850 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 18 violations on record.