Water Quality in Pensacola, FL: 200 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 75/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Pensacola'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
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Pensacola, FL surfaces 200 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality Map: Pensacola, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pensacola
Water quality varies across Pensacola's 25 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32506 | C | 61 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32507 | C | 61 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32501 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32502 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32503 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32505 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32514 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32526 | C | 66 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32504 | B | 71 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32534 | B | 71 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32591 | B | 76 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32508 | B | 81 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32511 | B | 81 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32512 | B | 81 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 32513 | B | 81 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Pensacola, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 75 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Pensacola have accumulated 200 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 25 ZIP codes serving approximately 304,591 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Pensacola'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 Pensacola water systems is 0.0006 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 59% of homes built before 1986, Pensacola 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.
Water Systems Serving Pensacola
Pensacola is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 304,591 people across 25 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
How to Check Your Water in Pensacola
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 Pensacola Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pensacola's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 100 | 25 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 25 | 25 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Pensacola vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Pensacola's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensacola | B | 200 | 5 | 304,591 |
| Naples | C | 714 | 5 | 311,385 |
| Sebastian | C | 0 | 2 | 294,646 |
| Cocoa | A | 5 | 1 | 294,039 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pensacola
Water quality varies across Pensacola's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32506 | 61 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32507 | 61 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32501 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32502 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32503 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32505 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32514 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32526 | 66 | C | 8 | 0 |
| 32504 | 71 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32534 | 71 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32592 | 83 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32590 | 83 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32559 | 83 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32523 | 83 | B | 8 | 0 |
| 32522 | 83 | B | 8 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Pensacola range from 61 to 83 — a spread of 22 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Pensacola Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pensacola, Florida:
Is Pensacola water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pensacola's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pensacola tap water? Pensacola's water receives a grade of B (75/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Pensacola? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pensacola vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Pensacola 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 Pensacola.
ZIP Codes in Pensacola
Pensacola spans 25 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 32501. 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.