Is Zellwood, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.4/100
waterverge.com Zellwood, FL — Water Quality Report
Zellwood's drinking water received a grade of B (78.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,891 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.4 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 57 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Zellwood's water
Zellwood ranks #160 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Zellwood 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 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Zellwood, FL water safe to drink?
Zellwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,891 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Zellwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Zellwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Zellwood'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.
Violation history
Zellwood's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs, Blackwater Creek, Apopka-Beauclair Canal, Apopka-Beauclair Canal Bl Dam.
Where does Zellwood's water come from?
Zellwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,891 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wekiwa Springs (spring), Rock Springs (spring), Blackwater Creek (river), Apopka-Beauclair Canal (river), Apopka-Beauclair Canal Bl Dam (river).
What Zellwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Zellwood'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.
Zellwood'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 Zellwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Zellwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PENTAIR AQUATIC ECO SYSTEMS INC APOPKA, FL32703 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
ORLANDO PAVING PLANT #5 APOPKA, FL32703 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
RINKER ORLANDO PIPE APOPKA, FL32703 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
VIBRANTZ MINERALS LLC MOUNT DORA, FL32757 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
TITAN FLORIDA-TAVARES FACILITY TAVARES, FL32778 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Zellwood
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.
- ZELLWOOD GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION2.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOrange 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
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Zellwood'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. | 5.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Zellwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Zellwood ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Zellwood's water comes from
Zellwood'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 3,891 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Zellwood
Zellwood is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Zellwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZELLWOOD STATION (CONSEC) | FL3481506 | 2,571 | GW |
| ZELLWOOD WATER USERS INC. (2 WPS) | FL3481507 | 1,320 | GW |
How Zellwood compares
Full Florida rankings →Zellwood's score of 78.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Zellwood, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Zellwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Zellwood, FL tap water safe to drink?
Zellwood's water quality earned a grade of B (78.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #160 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Zellwood's water?
Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Zellwood'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 Zellwood?
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 Zellwood's water come from?
Zellwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,891 residents.
What health violations has Zellwood's water system had?
Zellwood has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Zellwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Zellwood 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 57 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 Zellwood's water compare to other cities?
Zellwood ranks #160 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 59% of state cities) and #8692 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.