Is Sanderson, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Sanderson, FL — Water Quality Report
Sanderson's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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 35 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sanderson's water
Sanderson ranks #84 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sanderson 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, Sanderson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sanderson, FL water safe to drink?
Sanderson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sanderson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sanderson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4734). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sanderson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sanderson's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leon 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 Ochlockonee River Nr Havana, Fla..
Where does Sanderson's water come from?
Sanderson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ochlockonee River Nr Havana, Fla. (river).
What Sanderson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sanderson'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.
Sanderson'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
D4 — exceptional droughtBaker County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 98.2% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Leon 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sanderson'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.31 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.310 mg/L (1999)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sanderson compares by contaminant
Explore where Sanderson ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sanderson's water comes from
Sanderson'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sanderson
Sanderson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sanderson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAKER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | FL2021356 | 1,500 | GW |
How Sanderson compares
Full Florida rankings →Sanderson's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Sanderson, FL
Wikipedia →Tallahassee is the capital city of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of and the only incorporated municipality in Leon County. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2024, the estimated population was 205,089, making it the eighth-most populous city in the state of Florida. It is the principal city of the Tallahassee, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 397,675 as of 2024. Tallahassee is the largest city in the Florida Big Bend and Florida Panhandle regions.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sanderson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baker
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanderson, FL tap water safe to drink?
Sanderson's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #84 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Sanderson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Sanderson'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 Sanderson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sanderson's water come from?
Sanderson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Sanderson's water system had?
Sanderson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sanderson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sanderson 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 35 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 Sanderson's water compare to other cities?
Sanderson ranks #84 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 78% of state cities) and #4783 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sanderson's small water system affect quality?
Sanderson's system serves approximately 1,500 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 35 violations on record.