Big Pine Key, FL Water Safety: 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Big Pine Key has lagged behind FL benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Big Pine Key Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Big Pine Key Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.76 — above typical levels.
Big Pine Key's Water Providers
A single dominant system supplies most of Big Pine Key, FL. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Pine Key, Florida (population ~4,632), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 86,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Pine Key — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Pine Key: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Big Pine Key water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Big Pine Key
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33043 | D | FKAA J. ROBERT DEAN W.T.P. | 86,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Pine Key
- 33043 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Big Pine Key Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Big Pine Key Infrastructure Age
With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Big Pine Key's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1985 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Big Pine Key were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Big Pine Key
Given current Big Pine Key valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Big Pine Key are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 67% above the Florida average.
Big Pine Key: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older stock in Big Pine Key represents 55% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Big Pine Key: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Big Pine Key is substantial — 2678 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated zones. That volume of documented flood activity places water-quality implications of flooding firmly in the active-risk category rather than the hypothetical.
Big Pine Key has a significant flood history with 2,678 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $21,337 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Big Pine Key
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Pine Key, FL