Water Quality in Palm Beach, FL: 28 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Palm Beach'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
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Palm Beach, FL log 28 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Palm Beach
Water quality varies across Palm Beach's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33480 | B | 71 | 28 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Palm Beach, 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 2 water systems serving Palm Beach have accumulated 28 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 292 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Palm Beach'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 Palm Beach water systems is 0.0008 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Palm Beach 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
Palm Beach is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Palm Beach
Palm Beach is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 292 people across 1 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Palm Beach. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Palm Beach
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 Palm Beach Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Palm Beach's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 9 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Palm Beach. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-07 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-02-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-01-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-02-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-23.
Palm Beach vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Palm Beach's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | C | 28 | 2 | 292 |
| Anthony | B | 0 | 2 | 297 |
| Westville | B | 15 | 1 | 298 |
| Alturas | C | 9 | 1 | 300 |
Common Questions About Palm Beach Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Palm Beach, Florida:
Is Palm Beach water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Palm Beach's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Palm Beach tap water? Palm Beach's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Palm Beach? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Palm Beach vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach.
ZIP Codes in Palm Beach
Palm Beach spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33480. 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.