Is Zolfo Springs, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72/100
waterverge.com Zolfo Springs, FL — Water Quality Report
Zolfo Springs's drinking water received a grade of B- (72 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,362 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 32 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Zolfo Springs's water
Zolfo Springs ranks #218 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Zolfo Springs 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, Zolfo Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Zolfo Springs, FL water safe to drink?
Zolfo Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,362 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Zolfo Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Zolfo Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Zolfo Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Zolfo Springs's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Payne Creek, Peace River, Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green, Little Charlie Creek, Charlie Creek.
Where does Zolfo Springs's water come from?
Zolfo Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,362 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Payne Creek (river), Peace River (river), Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green (river), Little Charlie Creek (river), Charlie Creek (river).
What Zolfo Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Zolfo Springs'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.
Zolfo Springs'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 Zolfo Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Zolfo Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROFILE PRODUCTS - FLORIKAN BOWLING GREEN, FL33834 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
FLORIDA FENCE POST CO ONA, FL33865 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
IPS VANDOLAH POWER WAUCHULA, FL33873 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHardee 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
Hardee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Zolfo Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Zolfo Springs ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Zolfo Springs's water comes from
Zolfo Springs'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 2,362 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Zolfo Springs
Zolfo Springs is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Zolfo Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZOLFO SPRINGS WTP | FL6250332 | 2,062 | GW |
| BROOKSIDE BLUFF RV PARK | FL6254762 | 300 | GW |
How Zolfo Springs compares
Full Florida rankings →Zolfo Springs's score of 72/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Zolfo Springs, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Zolfo Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardee
Frequently asked questions
Is Zolfo Springs, FL tap water safe to drink?
Zolfo Springs's water quality earned a grade of B- (72/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #218 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Zolfo Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Zolfo Springs'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 Zolfo Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Zolfo Springs's water come from?
Zolfo Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,362 residents.
What health violations has Zolfo Springs's water system had?
Zolfo Springs has 4 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Zolfo Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Zolfo Springs 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 32 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 Zolfo Springs's water compare to other cities?
Zolfo Springs ranks #218 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 44% of state cities) and #10460 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.