Water Quality in Tallahassee, FL: 3140 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Tallahassee'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 record maintained by the EPA for Tallahassee, FL documents 3140 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality Map: Tallahassee, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tallahassee
Water quality varies across Tallahassee's 20 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32304 | D | 43 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32301 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32303 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32305 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32308 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32309 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32310 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32311 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32312 | D | 48 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32306 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32307 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32313 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32318 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32395 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
| 32399 | D | 50 | 157 | 16 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Tallahassee, Florida receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Tallahassee have accumulated 3140 EPA violations, including 320 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 20 ZIP codes serving approximately 217,732 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Tallahassee'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 Tallahassee water systems is 0.0014 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 45% of homes built before 1986, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee
Tallahassee is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 217,732 people across 20 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 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tallahassee. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tallahassee
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 Tallahassee Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tallahassee's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1080 | 20 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 260 | 20 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 220 | 20 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 200 | 20 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 180 | 20 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 140 | 20 | Yes |
| Chromium | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 20 | 20 | 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tallahassee. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-28.
Tallahassee vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Tallahassee's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee | C | 3140 | 5 | 217,732 |
| Elfers | C | 0 | 1 | 214,403 |
| Winter Park | B | 72 | 5 | 208,987 |
| Winter Haven | B | 1169 | 5 | 228,980 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tallahassee
Water quality varies across Tallahassee's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32304 | 43 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32301 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32303 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32305 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32308 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32309 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32310 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32311 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32312 | 48 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32306 | 50 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32315 | 70 | B | 157 | 16 |
| 32316 | 58 | C | 157 | 16 |
| 32314 | 58 | C | 157 | 16 |
| 32317 | 53 | D | 157 | 16 |
| 32302 | 53 | D | 157 | 16 |
Water quality scores in Tallahassee range from 43 to 70 — a spread of 27 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Tallahassee Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tallahassee, Florida:
Is Tallahassee water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tallahassee's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tallahassee tap water? Tallahassee's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 320 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Tallahassee? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tallahassee vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.
ZIP Codes in Tallahassee
Tallahassee spans 20 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 32301. 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.