Is Steinhatchee, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.1/100
waterverge.com Steinhatchee, FL — Water Quality Report
Steinhatchee's drinking water received a grade of B (78.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 81 violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Steinhatchee's water
Steinhatchee ranks #162 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Steinhatchee 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, Steinhatchee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Steinhatchee, FL water safe to drink?
Steinhatchee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Steinhatchee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Steinhatchee's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.1/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Steinhatchee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Steinhatchee's water system has 81 total violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taylor 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 Steinhatchee River.
Where does Steinhatchee's water come from?
Steinhatchee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Steinhatchee River (river).
What Steinhatchee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Steinhatchee'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.
Steinhatchee'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 droughtTaylor County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Taylor 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Steinhatchee compares by contaminant
Explore where Steinhatchee ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Steinhatchee's water comes from
Steinhatchee'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 2,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Steinhatchee
Steinhatchee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Steinhatchee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG BEND WATER AUTHORITY | FL2621102 | 2,700 | GU |
How Steinhatchee compares
Full Florida rankings →Steinhatchee's score of 78.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Steinhatchee, FL
Wikipedia →Steinhatchee is a Gulf coastal community in the southern part of Taylor County, Florida, United States. Steinhatchee is 38 miles (61 km) south of the county seat of Perry. Just across the Steinhatchee River is Jena, which is in Dixie County. Steinhatchee is 19.27 miles north of the town of Cross City. As of the 2020 census, Steinhatchee had a population of 1,049. Its approximate elevation is 7 feet above sea level.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Steinhatchee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taylor
Frequently asked questions
Is Steinhatchee, FL tap water safe to drink?
Steinhatchee's water quality earned a grade of B (78.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #162 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Steinhatchee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 81 violations are on record.
How is Steinhatchee'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 Steinhatchee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Steinhatchee's water come from?
Steinhatchee's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 residents.
What health violations has Steinhatchee's water system had?
Steinhatchee has 43 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Steinhatchee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Steinhatchee 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 81 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 Steinhatchee's water compare to other cities?
Steinhatchee ranks #162 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 58% of state cities) and #8790 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Steinhatchee's small water system affect quality?
Steinhatchee's system serves approximately 2,700 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 81 violations on record.