Is St. Petersburg, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.4/100
waterverge.com St. Petersburg, FL — Water Quality Report
St. Petersburg's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,051 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 47 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about St. Petersburg's water
St. Petersburg ranks #240 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
St. Petersburg 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, St. Petersburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is St. Petersburg, FL water safe to drink?
St. Petersburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,051 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for St. Petersburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into St. Petersburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Nitrate.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 St. Petersburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
St. Petersburg's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pinellas 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 Long Branch, Cross Bayou, Pinebrook, Seminole Lake Outlet, St Joe Creek.
Where does St. Petersburg's water come from?
St. Petersburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,051 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Long Branch (river), Cross Bayou (river), Pinebrook (river), Seminole Lake Outlet (river), St Joe Creek (river).
What St. Petersburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in St. Petersburg'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.
St. Petersburg'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 St. Petersburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near St. Petersburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GLOBAL PORT TAMPA TERMINAL TAMPA, FL33616 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA LLC-PL BARTOW POWER PLANT SAINT PETERSBURG, FL33702 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
MOLEX LLC SAINT PETERSBURG, FL33710 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
H&T GLOBAL CIRCUITS LLC D.B.A. ELREHA PRINTED CIRCUITS SAINT PETERSBURG, FL33712 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
CLUB KIT LLC SAINT PETERSBURG, FL33714 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pinellas 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how St. Petersburg compares by contaminant
Explore where St. Petersburg ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where St. Petersburg's water comes from
St. Petersburg'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 1,051 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving St. Petersburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOOD VALLEY | MI0040480 | 348 | GW |
| LAKE FOREST PARK | MI0040368 | 185 | GW |
| SOUTHTOWN MHP | MI0040060 | 160 | GW |
| BAYSIDE (DBA CONTINENTAL MHP) | MI0040190 | 158 | GW |
| IROQUOIS MOBILE ESTATES, INC. | IL0755185 | 105 | GW |
| MARLIN VILLAGE MOBILE HOME PARK | MI0040100 | 95 | GW |
How St. Petersburg compares
Full Florida rankings →St. Petersburg's score of 65.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About St. Petersburg, FL
Wikipedia →St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 258,308, making it the fifth-most populous city in Florida and the most populous city in the state that is not a county seat. It is the second-most populous city in the Tampa Bay area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Florida with an estimated population of about 3.29 million in 2022.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to St. Petersburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tuscola
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Petersburg, FL tap water safe to drink?
St. Petersburg's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #240 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in St. Petersburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is St. Petersburg'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 St. Petersburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does St. Petersburg's water come from?
St. Petersburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,051 residents.
What health violations has St. Petersburg's water system had?
St. Petersburg has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is St. Petersburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
St. Petersburg 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 47 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 St. Petersburg's water compare to other cities?
St. Petersburg ranks #240 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 38% of state cities) and #11515 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.