Is Thonotosassa, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper 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 Thonotosassa, FL — Water Quality Report
Thonotosassa's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 29 water systems serve approximately 3,856 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.8 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 895 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thonotosassa's water
Thonotosassa ranks #335 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Thonotosassa 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.
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.
The system has seen 37 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thonotosassa, FL water safe to drink?
Thonotosassa'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 29 water systems serve approximately 3,856 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thonotosassa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thonotosassa's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI, Lead and Copper 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 Thonotosassa'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Thonotosassa's water system has 895 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved. 37 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 Brooker Creek, South Branch Brooker Creek, Cow Branch, Lake Tarpon Canal, Alligator Creek Below Belcher.
Where does Thonotosassa's water come from?
Thonotosassa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 29 water systems serving approximately 3,856 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Brooker Creek (river), South Branch Brooker Creek (river), Cow Branch (river), Lake Tarpon Canal (stream), Alligator Creek Below Belcher (river).
What Thonotosassa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thonotosassa'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.
Thonotosassa'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 Thonotosassa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Thonotosassa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 104 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UFP TAMPA LLC TAMPA, FL33612 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 101 | 9.3 mi |
VALMONT - TAMPA GALVANIZING TAMPA, FL33619 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 5.9 mi |
COASTAL AN OLDCASTLE CO TAMPA, FL33610 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 6.5 mi |
TAMPA BAY FISHERIES INC DOVER, FL33527 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS PLANT CITY PLANT CITY, FL33566 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Thonotosassa
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ARKLA TERRA PROPERTY1.5 mi
- TAYLOR ROAD LANDFILL2.6 mi
- REEVES SOUTHEASTERN GALVANIZING CORP5.8 mi
- PEAK OIL CO BAY DRUM CO5.9 mi
- NORMANDY PARK APARTMENTS6.0 mi
+ 5 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHillsborough 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Thonotosassa'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. | 6.8 | 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. | 2.15 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.150 mg/L (2009)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Thonotosassa compares by contaminant
Explore where Thonotosassa ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thonotosassa's water comes from
Thonotosassa'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 3,856 people through 29 water systems.
Water bodies near Thonotosassa
Thonotosassa is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thonotosassa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVER PALM RV RESORT | FL6294612 | 540 | GW |
| THE OAKS OF THONOTOSASSA MHP | FL6290157 | 330 | GW |
| EASTFIELD SLOPES CONDO ASSOC | FL6294856 | 300 | GW |
| HAPPY TRAVELER'S RVP | FL6290728 | 300 | GW |
| SPANISH MAIN TRAVEL RESORT | FL6291684 | 284 | GW |
| CAMELOT MHP | FL6290227 | 240 | GW |
| CHARLIES MHP | FL6290279 | 218 | GW |
| BAY HILLS VILLAGE CONDO ASSOCIATION | FL6295183 | 218 | GW |
| WINDWARD KNOLL MHP | FL6291988 | 208 | GW |
| RANCH OAKS ESTATES | FL6291481 | 148 | GW |
| TRIPLE T TAMPA MHP | FL6290474 | 126 | GW |
| SOUTHERN AIRE RVP | FL6294792 | 100 | GW |
| TAMPA MGM 1 LLC | FL6291276 | 78 | GW |
| DALIA MHP | FL6295507 | 75 | GW |
| STONE LEDGE MANOR | FL6291104 | 68 | GW |
| GREEN OAKS MHP | FL6294172 | 62 | GW |
| PARKVIEW MHP | FL6290047 | 60 | GW |
| CITRUS KNOLL MHP | FL6290309 | 52 | GW |
| COUNTRYSIDE MHP | FL6290392 | 50 | GW |
| MIRACLES OUTREACH CDC | FL6296005 | 50 | GW |
| NATURE'S TRAIL MHP | FL6295577 | 50 | GW |
| THE OASIS AT GRANDFIELD | FL6294409 | 48 | GW |
| SHADY GROVE MHP | FL6291610 | 45 | GW |
| GOLDEN OAKS APTS | FL6294333 | 40 | GW |
| GUTHRIES SUNSHINE PARK | FL6291529 | 40 | GW |
| IRIS COURT APARTMENTS SOUTH | FL6295970 | 36 | GW |
| SOUTHERN PALMS MHP | FL6296064 | 30 | GW |
| MAGNOLIA TP | FL6290740 | 30 | GW |
| ESCAPE TAMPA THE OAKS | FL6290072 | 30 | GW |
How Thonotosassa compares
Full Florida rankings →Thonotosassa'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 Thonotosassa, FL
Wikipedia →Clearwater is a city in and the county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, United States, west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. To the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and to the southeast lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 117,292. It is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thonotosassa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Thonotosassa, FL tap water safe to drink?
Thonotosassa's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #335 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Thonotosassa's water?
Lead was measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile). 895 violations are on record.
How is Thonotosassa'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 Thonotosassa?
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 Thonotosassa's water come from?
Thonotosassa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 29 water systems serving approximately 3,856 residents.
What health violations has Thonotosassa's water system had?
Thonotosassa has 54 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. 82 violations remain unresolved.
Is Thonotosassa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thonotosassa 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 895 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 Thonotosassa's water compare to other cities?
Thonotosassa ranks #335 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 14% of state cities) and #14887 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.