Gainesville, FL: 18 Health Violations — 76/100 (2026)
18 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Compared to statewide averages in FL, Gainesville scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Gainesville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Water Quality Map: Gainesville, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Gainesville's 18 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Gainesville Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 180 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,711 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.37.
Gainesville's Water Providers
Gainesville, FL is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 8 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 18 ZIP codes in Gainesville, Florida, covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 224,073 people.
18 of 18 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 18 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gainesville: B (76/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Gainesville water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 18 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 38 | 18 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 38 | 18 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 38 | 18 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 38 | 18 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 19 | 18 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32601 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32602 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32603 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32604 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32605 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32606 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32607 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32608 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32609 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
| 32610 | B | 10 | 1 | Gru - Murphree Wtp |
All ZIP Codes in Gainesville
- 32601 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32602 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32603 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32604 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32605 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32606 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32607 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32608 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32609 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32610 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32611 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32612 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32613 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32614 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32627 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32635 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32641 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
- 32653 [B] — 10 violations ⚠
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
Updated daily.
Gainesville Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Gainesville's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Gainesville
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Gainesville is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Gainesville are relatively low compared to home values. The $839–$2,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% below the Florida average.
Gainesville: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Gainesville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Gainesville: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood risk in Gainesville occupies the middle ground: 209 NFIP claims and 61% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Gainesville has a moderate flood history with 209 FEMA claims averaging $29,322 per payout. 61% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,711</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gainesville, FL