Is Rayo Plata, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Rayo Plata, PR — Water Quality Report
Rayo Plata's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,855 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 27 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rayo Plata's water
Rayo Plata ranks #2 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Rayo Plata 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rayo Plata, PR water safe to drink?
Rayo Plata's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,855 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rayo Plata
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rayo Plata's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Barium, Chromium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rayo Plata's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Rayo Plata's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Rayo Plata's water come from?
Rayo Plata's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,855 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lago Lucchetti (lake), Rio Yauco (river), Lago Loco (lake), Canal De Riego De Lajas (stream), Lateral M5L, Canal De Riego De Lajas Sabana Grande (stream).
What Rayo Plata residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rayo Plata'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rayo Plata's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rayo Plata compares by contaminant
Explore where Rayo Plata ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rayo Plata's water comes from
Rayo Plata'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 3,855 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rayo Plata
Rayo Plata is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rayo Plata
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAYO | PR0003573 | 3,855 | GW |
How Rayo Plata compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Rayo Plata's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Rayo Plata, PR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rayo Plata's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sabana Grande Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Rayo Plata, PR tap water safe to drink?
Rayo Plata's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Rayo Plata's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Rayo Plata'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 Rayo Plata?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rayo Plata's water come from?
Rayo Plata's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,855 residents.
What health violations has Rayo Plata's water system had?
Rayo Plata has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rayo Plata's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rayo Plata 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 27 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 Rayo Plata's water compare to other cities?
Rayo Plata ranks #2 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 98% of state cities) and #2775 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.