Water Quality in Fort Lauderdale, FL: 940 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Lauderdale's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Available EPA records for Fort Lauderdale, FL: 940 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality Map: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Lauderdale
Water quality varies across Fort Lauderdale's 47 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33309 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33311 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33312 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33313 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33315 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33319 | D | 49 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33301 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33304 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33305 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33308 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33314 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33316 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33317 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33321 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
| 33322 | D | 54 | 20 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Fort Lauderdale, Florida receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 59 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Fort Lauderdale have accumulated 940 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 47 ZIP codes serving approximately 10,750 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fort Lauderdale's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Lauderdale water systems is 0.0099 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 10,750 people across 47 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 188 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Lauderdale. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Lauderdale
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 Fort Lauderdale Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Lauderdale's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 188 | 47 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 94 | 47 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 47 | 47 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 47 | 47 | 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 Fort Lauderdale. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-04-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-11-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-01-31.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Fort Lauderdale's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | C | 940 | 1 | 10,750 |
| Jay | B | 11 | 3 | 10,947 |
| Marianna | B | 63 | 4 | 10,500 |
| Crystal River | D | 45 | 5 | 10,027 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Lauderdale
Water quality varies across Fort Lauderdale's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33309 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33311 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33312 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33313 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33315 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33319 | 49 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33301 | 54 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33304 | 54 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33305 | 54 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33308 | 54 | D | 20 | 0 |
| 33394 | 69 | C | 20 | 0 |
| 33359 | 69 | C | 20 | 0 |
| 33338 | 69 | C | 20 | 0 |
| 33335 | 69 | C | 20 | 0 |
| 33329 | 69 | C | 20 | 0 |
Common Questions About Fort Lauderdale Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
Is Fort Lauderdale water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Lauderdale's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Lauderdale tap water? Fort Lauderdale's water receives a grade of C (59/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Fort Lauderdale? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.
ZIP Codes in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale spans 47 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33301. 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.