Water Quality in Orlando, FL: 2596 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 82/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Orlando's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Orlando, FL has 2596 water violations.
Water Quality Map: Orlando, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Orlando
Water quality varies across Orlando's 59 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32804 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32805 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32806 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32807 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32809 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32811 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32812 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32817 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32819 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32822 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32825 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32828 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32836 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32839 | B | 75 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
| 32801 | B | 80 | 44 | 4 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Orlando, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 82 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Orlando have accumulated 2596 EPA violations, including 236 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 59 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,161,423 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Orlando's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Orlando water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Water Systems Serving Orlando
Orlando is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,161,423 people across 59 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 354 enforcement actions against water systems serving Orlando. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Orlando
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 Orlando Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Orlando's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 590 | 59 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 236 | 59 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 236 | 59 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 118 | 59 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 59 | 59 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 59 | 59 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 59 | 59 | 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 Orlando. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-05-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-04-06 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-02-02.
Orlando vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Orlando's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | B | 2596 | 5 | 1,161,423 |
| Jacksonville | B | 459 | 5 | 916,834 |
| Merritt Island | C | 0 | 3 | 887,723 |
| Tampa | B | 1593 | 5 | 1,477,912 |
Recommended Water Filters for Orlando
Based on contaminants detected in Orlando's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead (tap water)
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Orlando
Water quality varies across Orlando's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32804 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32805 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32806 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32807 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32809 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32811 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32812 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32817 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32819 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32822 | 75 | B | 44 | 4 |
| 32899 | 87 | A | 44 | 4 |
| 32897 | 87 | A | 44 | 4 |
| 32891 | 87 | A | 44 | 4 |
| 32887 | 87 | A | 44 | 4 |
| 32886 | 87 | A | 44 | 4 |
Common Questions About Orlando Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Orlando, Florida:
Is Orlando water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Orlando's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Orlando tap water? Orlando's water receives a grade of B (82/100). There are 236 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Orlando? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, under-sink or whole-house) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Orlando vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Orlando 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 Orlando.
ZIP Codes in Orlando
Orlando spans 59 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 32801. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.