Copper in Tampa, FL Drinking Water
Copper data for Tampa, Florida · 1,477,912 residents · 59 ZIP codes
Across the water systems that serve Tampa, Florida, Copper has appeared in EPA compliance samples — standard municipal treatment targets this contaminant, though detections in the compliance record indicate it has reached household taps at measurable levels.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Tampa Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Tampa, Florida drinking water at a maximum level of 3050 ppb — 2.35x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 1,477,912 residents across 59 ZIP codes in Tampa.
Tampa's overall water quality grade is B (75/100).
Is Copper in Tampa Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33601 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33602 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33603 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33604 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33605 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33606 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33607 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33608 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33609 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33610 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33611 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33612 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33613 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33614 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33615 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33616 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33617 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33618 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33619 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33620 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33621 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33622 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33623 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33624 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 33625 | 3050 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...34 more ZIP codes |
Average copper level across Tampa: 3050 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Tampa Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.