Water Quality in Port Charlotte, FL: 84 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Port Charlotte'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
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Port Charlotte, FL shows 84 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality Map: Port Charlotte, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Port Charlotte
Water quality varies across Port Charlotte's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33952 | D | 53 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 33948 | C | 58 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 33981 | C | 58 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 33953 | C | 63 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 33954 | C | 68 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 33949 | B | 73 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Port Charlotte, 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 4 water systems serving Port Charlotte have accumulated 84 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 6 ZIP codes serving approximately 185,266 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Port Charlotte'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 Port Charlotte water systems is 0.0096 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Water Systems Serving Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 185,266 people across 6 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 60 enforcement actions against water systems serving Port Charlotte. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Port Charlotte
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 Port Charlotte Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Port Charlotte's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 24 | 6 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 18 | 6 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 6 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 12 | 6 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 6 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 6 | 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 Port Charlotte. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-24 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-30.
Port Charlotte vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Port Charlotte's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Charlotte | C | 84 | 4 | 185,266 |
| Pembroke Pines | A | 72 | 1 | 187,459 |
| North Miami Beach | D | 13 | 1 | 180,000 |
| Middleburg | A | 8 | 5 | 190,575 |
Recommended Water Filters for Port Charlotte
Based on contaminants detected in Port Charlotte's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
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 Port Charlotte
Water quality varies across Port Charlotte's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33952 | 53 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 33948 | 58 | C | 14 | 0 |
| 33981 | 58 | C | 14 | 0 |
| 33953 | 63 | C | 14 | 0 |
| 33954 | 68 | C | 14 | 0 |
| 33949 | 73 | B | 14 | 0 |
Common Questions About Port Charlotte Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Port Charlotte, Florida:
Is Port Charlotte water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Port Charlotte's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Port Charlotte tap water? Port Charlotte'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 Port Charlotte? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Port Charlotte vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Port Charlotte 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 Port Charlotte.
ZIP Codes in Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte spans 6 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33948. 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.