Water Quality in Cape Coral, FL: 216 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Cape Coral's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Cape Coral, FL carry 216 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality Map: Cape Coral, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cape Coral
Water quality varies across Cape Coral's 8 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33904 | B | 74 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33914 | B | 74 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33990 | B | 79 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33991 | B | 79 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33993 | B | 79 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33909 | A | 89 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33910 | A | 94 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
| 33915 | A | 98 | 27 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Cape Coral, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 83 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Cape Coral have accumulated 216 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 8 ZIP codes serving approximately 172,733 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Cape Coral'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 Cape Coral water systems is 0.0014 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Water Systems Serving Cape Coral
Cape Coral is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 172,733 people across 8 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 32 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cape Coral. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Cape Coral
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 Cape Coral Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Cape Coral's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 80 | 8 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 8 | 8 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 8 | 8 | No |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 0.03 mg/L | 8 | 8 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 8 | 8 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 8 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 8 | 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 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cape Coral. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-02-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-10 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-08-26.
Cape Coral vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Cape Coral's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | B | 216 | 2 | 172,733 |
| Saint James City | D | 0 | 1 | 172,693 |
| Grant | C | 0 | 1 | 167,753 |
| Indialantic | C | 0 | 1 | 167,753 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cape Coral
Water quality varies across Cape Coral's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33904 | 74 | B | 27 | 1 |
| 33914 | 74 | B | 27 | 1 |
| 33990 | 79 | B | 27 | 1 |
| 33991 | 79 | B | 27 | 1 |
| 33993 | 79 | B | 27 | 1 |
| 33909 | 89 | A | 27 | 1 |
| 33910 | 94 | A | 27 | 1 |
| 33915 | 98 | A | 27 | 1 |
Water quality scores in Cape Coral range from 74 to 98 — a spread of 24 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Cape Coral Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cape Coral, Florida:
Is Cape Coral water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cape Coral's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cape Coral tap water? Cape Coral's water receives a grade of B (83/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Cape Coral? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cape Coral vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral.
ZIP Codes in Cape Coral
Cape Coral spans 8 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33904. 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.