In Saint Petersburg, Florida, Arsenic has been detected in the public water supply — a contaminant that health agencies track because of documented effects associated with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05

Arsenic in Saint Petersburg Tap Water

Arsenic has been detected in Saint Petersburg, Florida drinking water at a maximum level of 400 ppb — 40x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 357,666 residents across 31 ZIP codes in Saint Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg's overall water quality grade is D (50/100).

Is Arsenic in Saint Petersburg Water Safe?

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Arsenic Levels by ZIP Code

Average arsenic level across Saint Petersburg: 400 ppb

Health Effects of Arsenic

• Increased risk of skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancer
• Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
• Skin changes (darkening, thickening, lesions)
• Developmental effects in children exposed in utero

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Arsenic Rule (2006).

How Arsenic Gets Into Drinking Water

• Natural deposits in rock and soil (especially in western U.S.)
• Runoff from orchards and glass/electronics production
• Historical use of arsenic-based pesticides
• Well water in areas with arsenic-rich geology

What to Do About Arsenic in Saint Petersburg Water

1. Install a reverse osmosis (RO) system certified under NSF 58
2. Adsorptive media filters (iron-based) can also reduce arsenic
3. Have well water tested if on a private supply
4. Boiling water does NOT remove arsenic — it concentrates it

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for arsenic removal.

Related

• Arsenic — National Overview
• Florida Water Quality
• Saint Petersburg Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code