Water Quality in Clearwater, FL: 351 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 79/100 · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Clearwater'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
Clearwater, FL - 351 compliance events documented in the federal drinking water record.
Water Quality Map: Clearwater, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Clearwater
Water quality varies across Clearwater's 13 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33755 | B | 71 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33756 | B | 71 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33762 | B | 71 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33764 | B | 71 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33759 | B | 76 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33760 | B | 76 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33765 | B | 76 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33761 | B | 81 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33763 | B | 81 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33757 | A | 86 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33758 | A | 86 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33766 | A | 88 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
| 33769 | A | 88 | 27 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Clearwater.
Water Quality Overview
Clearwater, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 79 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 8 water systems serving Clearwater have accumulated 351 EPA violations, including 39 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 13 ZIP codes serving approximately 184,563 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Clearwater'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 Clearwater water systems is 0.0008 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 69% of homes built before 1986, Clearwater 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 Clearwater
Clearwater is served by 8 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 184,563 people across 13 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 130 enforcement actions against water systems serving Clearwater. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Clearwater
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 Clearwater Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Clearwater's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 78 | 13 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 52 | 13 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 39 | 13 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 26 | 13 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 13 | 13 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 13 | 13 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Clearwater:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2025 | 13 | 13 |
Violations have increased from 6 in 2024 to 13 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 16 enforcement actions against water systems serving Clearwater. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-03 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-03.
Clearwater vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Clearwater's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | B | 351 | 8 | 184,563 |
| Boynton Beach | B | 189 | 6 | 176,909 |
| Eaton Park | B | 13 | 3 | 193,381 |
| Melbourne | A | 20 | 3 | 175,175 |
Recommended Water Filters for Clearwater
Based on contaminants detected in Clearwater's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
UV Disinfection System (POE or POU)
- Removes: Total Coliform Bacteria
- Effectiveness: 99.99%
- Cost range: $100–$700
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 55
- Recommended products:
- Viqua VH200
- HQUA UV System
- Waterdrop G3P800
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Arsenic, Barium, Chromium
- Effectiveness: 90-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- iSpring RCC7AK
- Crystal Quest Arsenic Filter
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Clearwater
Water quality varies across Clearwater's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33755 | 71 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33756 | 71 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33762 | 71 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33764 | 71 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33759 | 76 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33760 | 76 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33765 | 76 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33761 | 81 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33763 | 81 | B | 27 | 3 |
| 33757 | 86 | A | 27 | 3 |
| 33769 | 88 | A | 27 | 3 |
| 33766 | 88 | A | 27 | 3 |
| 33758 | 86 | A | 27 | 3 |
| 33757 | 86 | A | 27 | 3 |
| 33763 | 81 | B | 27 | 3 |
Common Questions About Clearwater Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Clearwater, Florida:
Is Clearwater water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Clearwater's 8 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Clearwater tap water? Clearwater's water receives a grade of B (79/100). There are 39 health-based violations - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Clearwater? Based on detected contaminants, a uv disinfection system (poe or pou) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Clearwater vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Clearwater 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 Clearwater.
ZIP Codes in Clearwater
Clearwater spans 13 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33755. 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.