Water Quality in Crystal River, FL: 45 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Crystal River's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Crystal River, FL surfaces 45 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Crystal River
Water quality varies across Crystal River's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34428 | D | 49 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 34429 | D | 49 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 34423 | C | 64 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Crystal River, Florida receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Crystal River have accumulated 45 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 3 ZIP codes serving approximately 10,027 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Crystal River's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Crystal River water systems is 0.0023 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 48% of homes built before 1986, Crystal River 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.
Radon Risk
Crystal River is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Crystal River
Crystal River is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 10,027 people across 3 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 18 enforcement actions against water systems serving Crystal River. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Crystal River
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 Crystal River Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Crystal River's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 18 | 3 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 3 | 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Crystal River. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-27 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-02.
Crystal River vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Crystal River's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal River | D | 45 | 5 | 10,027 |
| Hurlburt Field | A | 4 | 1 | 10,006 |
| Marianna | B | 63 | 4 | 10,500 |
| Fort Lauderdale | C | 940 | 1 | 10,750 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Crystal River
Water quality varies across Crystal River's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About Crystal River Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Crystal River, Florida:
Is Crystal River water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Crystal River's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Crystal River tap water? Crystal River's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Crystal River? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Crystal River vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Crystal River 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 Crystal River.
ZIP Codes in Crystal River
Crystal River spans 3 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 34423. 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.