Water Quality in Lakeland, FL: 728 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Lakeland'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
The public EPA compliance record for Lakeland, FL holds 728 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality Map: Lakeland, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lakeland
Water quality varies across Lakeland's 13 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33810 | D | 54 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33801 | C | 59 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33809 | C | 59 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33811 | C | 59 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33813 | C | 59 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33815 | C | 59 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33803 | C | 64 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33805 | C | 64 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33812 | C | 64 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33806 | C | 65 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33807 | C | 65 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33804 | C | 69 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33802 | B | 81 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Lakeland, Florida receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Lakeland have accumulated 728 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 13 ZIP codes serving approximately 280,550 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Lakeland'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 Lakeland water systems is 0.0006 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 50% of homes built before 1986, Lakeland 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
Lakeland is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Lakeland
Lakeland is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 280,550 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 Lakeland. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lakeland
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 Lakeland Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lakeland's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 260 | 13 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 39 | 13 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 13 | 13 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 13 | 13 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 13 | 13 | 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lakeland. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-09-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-01-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-02-16 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-01.
Lakeland vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Lakeland's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland | C | 728 | 5 | 280,550 |
| Pompano Beach | A | 944 | 5 | 278,023 |
| Myakka City | C | 0 | 1 | 272,267 |
| Tallevast | C | 0 | 1 | 272,267 |
Recommended Water Filters for Lakeland
Based on contaminants detected in Lakeland's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chlorine
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lakeland
Water quality varies across Lakeland's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33810 | 54 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33801 | 59 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33809 | 59 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33811 | 59 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33813 | 59 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33815 | 59 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33803 | 64 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33805 | 64 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33812 | 64 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33806 | 65 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33802 | 81 | B | 56 | 0 |
| 33804 | 69 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33807 | 65 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33806 | 65 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33812 | 64 | C | 56 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Lakeland range from 54 to 81 — a spread of 27 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Lakeland Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lakeland, Florida:
Is Lakeland water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lakeland's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lakeland tap water? Lakeland's water receives a grade of C (62/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Lakeland? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lakeland vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Lakeland 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 Lakeland.
ZIP Codes in Lakeland
Lakeland spans 13 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33801. 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.