Is Waldo, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85/100
waterverge.com Waldo, FL — Water Quality Report
Waldo's drinking water received a grade of A- (85 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,367 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 61 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waldo's water
Waldo ranks #96 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Waldo 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, Waldo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waldo, FL water safe to drink?
Waldo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,367 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waldo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waldo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85/100).
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: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waldo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waldo's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alachua 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 Santa Fe River.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,367 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Fe River (river).
What Waldo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waldo'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.
Waldo'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 Waldo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waldo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIVANCE LLC GAINESVILLE, FL32609 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtAlachua County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 34.4% 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
Alachua 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waldo compares by contaminant
Explore where Waldo ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waldo's water comes from
Waldo'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 1,367 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Waldo
Waldo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waldo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALDO WTP | FL2010212 | 1,042 | GW |
| LAKE ALTO ESTATES MHP | FL2010625 | 325 | GW |
How Waldo compares
Full Florida rankings →Waldo's score of 85/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Waldo, FL
Wikipedia →Waldo is a city in Alachua County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2020 census, the population was 846, down from 1,015 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waldo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alachua
Frequently asked questions
Is Waldo, FL tap water safe to drink?
Waldo's water quality earned a grade of A- (85/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Waldo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Waldo'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 Waldo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,367 residents.
What health violations has Waldo's water system had?
Waldo has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waldo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waldo 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 61 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 Waldo's water compare to other cities?
Waldo ranks #96 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 75% of state cities) and #5579 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.