WaterVerge

Is Wahneta, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

750 residents served 1 water system PWSID: FL6530686
Overall Score
90.2 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#45 of 388 in Florida Top 15% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.2/100
waterverge.com
A 90.2/100

Wahneta, FL — Water Quality Report

Wahneta's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wahneta's water

Wahneta ranks #45 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Wahneta 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, Wahneta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wahneta, FL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wahneta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wahneta

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wahneta's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MILTON

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
8 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Barium, Selenium, Fluoride.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wahneta's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wahneta's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Feb 1985 Barium Resolved
Feb 1985 Selenium Resolved
Feb 1985 Fluoride Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Peace Creek Drainage Canal, Peace Creek, Saddle Creek, Lake Parker Outlet, Lake Lena Run.

HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-4834
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA DR-3622
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4734

Where does Wahneta's water come from?

Wahneta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Peace Creek Drainage Canal (stream), Peace Creek (river), Saddle Creek (river), Lake Parker Outlet (stream), Lake Lena Run (river).

What Wahneta residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wahneta's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Wahneta'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jan 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 1985 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Feb 1985 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1988
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wahneta

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wahneta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
COASTAL AN OLDCASTLE CO
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
AUBURNDALE, FL33823
Lead And Lead Compounds08.3 mi
AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAINER CORP
Plastics and Rubber · NA
LAKELAND, FL33801
10.0 mi
QUIKRETE - LAKELAND FL PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · QUIKRETE HOLDINGS
LAKELAND, FL33801
9.8 mi
COCA-COLA N.A.
Food · THE COCA-COLA CO
AUBURNDALE, FL33823
7.5 mi
UFP AUBURNDALE LLC
Wood Products · UFP INDUSTRIES INC
AUBURNDALE, FL33823
8.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Polk 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
27.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #4834
Oct 2024
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane FEMA #3622
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4734
Dec 2022
HURRICANE NICOLE
Hurricane FEMA #4680
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4673
Sep 2022
TROPICAL STORM IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3584

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.4 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.6 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
750
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wahneta's water comes from

Groundwater

Wahneta'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 750 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wahneta

Wahneta is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Peace Creek Drainage Canal
stream
Peace Creek
river
Saddle Creek
river
Lake Parker Outlet
stream
Lake Lena Run
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wahneta

System Name PWSID Population Source
GREEN ACRES S/D FL6530686 750 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wahneta compares

Full Florida rankings →

Wahneta's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Wahneta (this city)
90.2
Miami
35
Orlando
36.8
Tampa
34.4
Florida avg
50
City Profile

About Wahneta, FL

Wikipedia →

Eagle Lake is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Most of the town being centered around a subsection of U.S. Highway 17. The population was 3,008 as of 2020.

Economic Profile
$71,705
Median Income
$178,575
Median Home Value
$1,226/mo
Median Rent
5.1%
Unemployment
Community
34.1
Median Age
470
People / sq mi
18%
College Educated
78.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wahneta, FL tap water safe to drink?

Wahneta's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.

What contaminants are in Wahneta's water?

Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Wahneta'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 Wahneta?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wahneta's water come from?

Wahneta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.

Is Wahneta's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wahneta 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 11 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 Wahneta's water compare to other cities?

Wahneta ranks #45 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 88% of state cities) and #2382 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wahneta's small water system affect quality?

Wahneta's system serves approximately 750 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 11 violations on record.