Is Satsuma, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Satsuma, FL — Water Quality Report
Satsuma's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,252 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 183 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Satsuma's water
Satsuma ranks #311 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Satsuma 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, Satsuma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Satsuma, FL water safe to drink?
Satsuma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,252 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Satsuma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Satsuma's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Satsuma'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
Satsuma's water system has 183 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange 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 Howell Creek, Little Wekiva River, Sanlando Springs Nr Longwood.
Where does Satsuma's water come from?
Satsuma's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,252 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Howell Creek (river), Little Wekiva River (river), Sanlando Springs Nr Longwood (spring).
What Satsuma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Satsuma'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.
Satsuma'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 droughtPutnam 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
Orange 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 Satsuma'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. | 3.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Satsuma compares by contaminant
Explore where Satsuma ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Satsuma's water comes from
Satsuma'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 1,252 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Satsuma
Satsuma is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Satsuma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERMITS COVE WATER SYSTEM | FL2540482 | 558 | GW |
| WELAKA MHP | FL2541242 | 318 | GW |
| ST. JOHN'S RIVER CLUB UTILITIES | FL2544266 | 170 | GW |
| SARATOGA HARBOR | FL2541008 | 111 | GW |
| RIVER VILLAS | FL2541200 | 95 | GW |
How Satsuma compares
Full Florida rankings →Satsuma's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Satsuma, FL
Wikipedia →Orlando is a city in and the county seat of Orange County, Florida, United States. Part of Central Florida, it is the fourth-most populous city in the state and its most populous inland city, with a population of 307,573 at the 2020 census. The Orlando metropolitan area has an estimated 2.67 million residents as of 2020, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Florida and the 22nd-largest in the U.S.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Satsuma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Satsuma, FL tap water safe to drink?
Satsuma's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #311 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Satsuma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 183 violations are on record.
How is Satsuma'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 Satsuma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Satsuma's water come from?
Satsuma's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,252 residents.
What health violations has Satsuma's water system had?
Satsuma has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Satsuma's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Satsuma 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 183 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 Satsuma's water compare to other cities?
Satsuma ranks #311 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 20% of state cities) and #14050 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.