Is Maricao, PR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.2/100
waterverge.com Maricao, PR — Water Quality Report
Maricao's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 708 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 122 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Maricao's water
Maricao ranks #22 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Maricao may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Maricao, PR water safe to drink?
Maricao's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 708 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Maricao
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maricao's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, Chlordane, Toxaphene.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Maricao's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Maricao's water system has 122 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Maricao's water come from?
Maricao's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 708 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rio Guajataca (river), Lago Lucchetti (lake), Rio Yauco (river), Lago Loco (lake), Canal De Riego De Lajas (stream).
What Maricao residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maricao'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Maricao compares by contaminant
Explore where Maricao ranks among all Puerto Rico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Maricao's water comes from
Maricao's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 708 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Maricao
Maricao is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Maricao
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTE DEL ESTADO | PR0003523 | 708 | SW |
How Maricao compares
Full Puerto Rico rankings →Maricao's score of 72.2/100 is above the average of 38/100 among major Puerto Rico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Puerto Rico rankings →About Maricao, PR
Wikipedia →Maricao is a town and the second-least populous municipality of Puerto Rico; it is located at the western edge of the Cordillera Central. It is a small town set around a small square in hilly terrain, north of San Germán, Sabana Grande and Yauco; south of Las Marías and Lares, southeast of Mayagüez, and west of Adjuntas. Maricao has 7 barrios including Maricao Pueblo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Maricao's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maricao Municipio
Frequently asked questions
Is Maricao, PR tap water safe to drink?
Maricao's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #22 out of 101 cities tested in Puerto Rico.
What contaminants are in Maricao's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 122 violations are on record.
How is Maricao'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 Maricao?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Maricao's water come from?
Maricao's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 708 residents.
What health violations has Maricao's water system had?
Maricao has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Maricao's water compare to other cities?
Maricao ranks #22 out of 101 cities in Puerto Rico (better than 78% of state cities) and #10425 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Maricao's small water system affect quality?
Maricao's system serves approximately 708 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 122 violations on record.