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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 current EPA drinking water 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.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

0.2 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

2.39ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Soft water

4.1ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

0total

Clean record

View EPA report →

Is Fort Walton Beach Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.

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.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.

How Hard is Fort Walton Beach Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

4.1 ppm

0.2 grains per gallon

Soft

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

Fort Walton Beach
4.1
Florida
180
US Average
100

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.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

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Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Fort Walton Beach

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.39 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Fort Walton Beach lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

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?

According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: 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 years

This 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

All past violations resolved

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Fort Walton Beach

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

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fort Walton Beach tap water quality

Based on the most recent available data, Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Fort Walton Beach has soft water with a hardness of 4.1 ppm (0.2 grains per gallon). Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Lead levels (2.39 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Fort Walton Beach's tap water is provided by OKALOOSA CO.WTR.; SWR.SYSTEM. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is FL1460506. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Fort Walton Beach tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
Fort Walton Beach's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.
Fort Walton Beach's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Fort Walton Beach's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by OKALOOSA CO.WTR.; SWR.SYSTEM.

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

View all Florida cities

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)