Is Silver Springs, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Silver Springs, FL — Water Quality Report
Silver Springs's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 2,183 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.9 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 134 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Silver Springs's water
Silver Springs ranks #336 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Silver Springs 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.64 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
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.
As a small community water system, Silver Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Silver Springs, FL water safe to drink?
Silver Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 2,183 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Silver Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Silver Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Silver Springs'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
Silver Springs's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 Ocklawaha River Nr Ocala,Fla., Silver Springs.
Where does Silver Springs's water come from?
Silver Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 2,183 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ocklawaha River Nr Ocala,Fla. (river), Silver Springs (spring).
What Silver Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Silver Springs'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.
Silver Springs'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 Silver Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Silver Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LOCKHEED MARTIN MISSILES & FIRE CONTROL OCALA, FL34472 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES & SERVICES OCALA, FL34474 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
AMERICAN PANEL CORP OCALA, FL34472 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS INC OCALA, FL34471 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
CARDINAL IG-OCALA OCALA, FL34474 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMarion 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
Marion 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 Silver Springs'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. | 5.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Silver Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Silver Springs ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Silver Springs's water comes from
Silver Springs'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 2,183 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Silver Springs
Silver Springs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Silver Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER SPRINGS WOODS/VILLAGE | FL3424689 | 852 | GW |
| PONDEROSA PINES (2 WPS) | FL3424062 | 485 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW WOODS/TRAILS EAST S/D | FL3424789 | 224 | GW |
| SHARPES FERRY MANUFACTURED HOME CMNTY | FL3421159 | 207 | GW |
| MILL DAM MHP, LLC | FL3420484 | 155 | GW |
| SPRINGLAKE VILLAGE | FL3424622 | 115 | GW |
| TALL TIMBER TRAVEL TRAILER PARK | FL3421528 | 95 | GW |
| WILDERNESS RV PARK ESTATES | FL3424654 | 50 | GW |
How Silver Springs compares
Full Florida rankings →Silver Springs's score of 42/100 is below the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Silver Springs, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Silver Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Silver Springs, FL tap water safe to drink?
Silver Springs's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #336 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Silver Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Silver Springs'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 Silver Springs?
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 Silver Springs's water come from?
Silver Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 2,183 residents.
What health violations has Silver Springs's water system had?
Silver Springs has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 39 violations remain unresolved.
Is Silver Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Silver Springs 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 134 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 Silver Springs's water compare to other cities?
Silver Springs ranks #336 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 13% of state cities) and #14894 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.