Water Quality in Boca Raton, FL: 160 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 77/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Boca Raton's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Boca Raton, FL has 160 violations in the EPA compliance history - breakdown below.
Water Quality Map: Boca Raton, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Boca Raton
Water quality varies across Boca Raton's 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33428 | C | 68 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33432 | C | 68 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33433 | C | 68 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33487 | C | 68 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33431 | B | 73 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33434 | B | 73 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33486 | B | 73 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33496 | B | 73 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33498 | B | 73 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33427 | B | 83 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33429 | B | 83 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33464 | A | 87 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33481 | A | 87 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33488 | A | 87 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 33497 | A | 87 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Boca Raton, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 77 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Boca Raton have accumulated 160 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 16 ZIP codes serving approximately 245,646 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Boca Raton's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Boca Raton water systems is 0.0006 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Boca Raton has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Boca Raton
Boca Raton is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 245,646 people across 16 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 160 enforcement actions against water systems serving Boca Raton. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Boca Raton
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Boca Raton Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Boca Raton's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 32 | 16 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 32 | 16 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 16 | 16 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 13 enforcement actions against water systems serving Boca Raton. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-05-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-05 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-02-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-04-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-03-17 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-05-31.
Boca Raton vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Boca Raton's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Raton | B | 160 | 4 | 245,646 |
| Gonzalez | B | 0 | 1 | 242,172 |
| Lake Worth | A | 8 | 5 | 249,168 |
| Port Saint Lucie | B | 592 | 6 | 238,962 |
Recommended Water Filters for Boca Raton
Based on contaminants detected in Boca Raton's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramine
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Boca Raton
Water quality varies across Boca Raton's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33428 | 68 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 33432 | 68 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 33433 | 68 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 33487 | 68 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 33431 | 73 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33434 | 73 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33486 | 73 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33496 | 73 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33498 | 73 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33427 | 83 | B | 10 | 0 |
| 33499 | 87 | A | 10 | 0 |
| 33497 | 87 | A | 10 | 0 |
| 33488 | 87 | A | 10 | 0 |
| 33481 | 87 | A | 10 | 0 |
| 33464 | 87 | A | 10 | 0 |
Common Questions About Boca Raton Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Boca Raton, Florida:
Is Boca Raton water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Boca Raton's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Boca Raton tap water? Boca Raton's water receives a grade of B (77/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Boca Raton? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Boca Raton vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Boca Raton compares to the broader Florida average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Boca Raton.
ZIP Codes in Boca Raton
Boca Raton spans 16 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33427. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.