Water Quality in Tarpon Springs, FL: 76 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Tarpon Springs'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
Local water systems serving Tarpon Springs, FL carry 76 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tarpon Springs
Water quality varies across Tarpon Springs's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34689 | C | 61 | 38 | 0 | View report → |
| 34688 | B | 71 | 38 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Tarpon Springs, Florida receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Tarpon Springs have accumulated 76 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 29,156 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Tarpon Springs'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 Tarpon Springs water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 45% of homes built before 1986, Tarpon Springs 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 Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 29,156 people across 2 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 16 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tarpon Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tarpon Springs
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 Tarpon Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tarpon Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 26 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 2 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 4 | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 2 | 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tarpon Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-06 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-08.
Tarpon Springs vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Tarpon Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Springs | C | 76 | 3 | 29,156 |
| Crystal Springs | C | 0 | 1 | 29,117 |
| Lady Lake | A | 2 | 5 | 28,923 |
| Fleming Island | A | 14 | 3 | 30,331 |
Common Questions About Tarpon Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tarpon Springs, Florida:
Is Tarpon Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tarpon Springs's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tarpon Springs tap water? Tarpon Springs's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Tarpon Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tarpon Springs vs. Florida Average
Understanding how Tarpon Springs 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 Tarpon Springs.
ZIP Codes in Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 34688. 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.