Water Quality in Miami, FL: 5376 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Miami'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 compliance history for Miami, FL includes 5376 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality Map: Miami, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Miami
Water quality varies across Miami's 96 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33133 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33156 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33157 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33161 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33166 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33173 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33174 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33175 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33176 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33177 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33180 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33183 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33184 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33186 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
| 33189 | D | 49 | 56 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Miami, 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 5 water systems serving Miami have accumulated 5376 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 96 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,425,170 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Miami'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 Miami water systems is 0.0031 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Miami 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
Miami is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Miami
Miami is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,425,170 people across 96 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 768 enforcement actions against water systems serving Miami. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Miami
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 Miami Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Miami's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1344 | 96 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 864 | 96 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 384 | 96 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 288 | 96 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 288 | 96 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 96 | 96 | 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 Miami. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-04-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-10-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-09-09 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-04-10.
Miami vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Miami's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | C | 5376 | 5 | 2,425,170 |
| First Union Bank | C | 0 | 1 | 2,377,460 |
| Hallandale | D | 0 | 1 | 2,377,460 |
| Miami Gardens | D | 0 | 1 | 2,377,460 |
Recommended Water Filters for Miami
Based on contaminants detected in Miami's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes, Hazard Index PFAS
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acids
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramines
- 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 Miami
Water quality varies across Miami's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33133 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33156 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33157 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33161 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33166 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33173 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33174 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33175 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33176 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33177 | 49 | D | 56 | 0 |
| 33102 | 81 | B | 56 | 0 |
| 33265 | 69 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33261 | 69 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33245 | 69 | C | 56 | 0 |
| 33243 | 69 | C | 56 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Miami range from 49 to 81 — a spread of 32 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Miami Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Miami, Florida:
Is Miami water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Miami's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Miami tap water? Miami'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 Miami? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Miami vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Miami 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 Miami.
ZIP Codes in Miami
Miami spans 96 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33101. 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.