Fort Walton Beach Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Fort Walton Beach residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. At just 4.1 ppm (0.2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
0.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Fort Walton Beach Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
Lead — Lead (2.39 ppb) is at 16% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 104K people in the Fort Walton Beach area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink without additional filtration. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
How Hard is Fort Walton Beach Water?
4.1 ppm
0.2 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 5 water samples from Okaloosa County
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Fort Walton Beach tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Fort Walton Beach
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2.39 ppb
Fort Walton Beach lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-12-01
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Fort Walton Beach's Water?
Utility Name
OKALOOSA CO.WTR.; SWR.SYSTEM
EPA System ID (PWSID)
FL1460506
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
104K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Walton Beach tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Florida
Miami
Very Hard water
Orlando
Very Hard water
Tampa
Very Hard water
Jacksonville
Soft water
West Palm Beach
Very Hard water
Clearwater
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)