Tampa Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Tampa tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA standards. At 190 ppm (11.1 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — the EPA recommends certified filtration. There have been 83 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
11.1 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Tampa Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Tampa tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
16 contaminants were tested in Tampa's water. 16 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 5.42 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 4.5 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level. 4 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. According to the EPA, associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Disinfection Byproducts — 3 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 33.55 ppb (42% of EPA limit).
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Uranium at 1.66 ppb (6% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Nitrate at 3.17 ppm (32% of EPA limit).
Lead — Lead (0.75 ppb) is at 5% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 47 water utilities serving 1.0M people in the Tampa area.
Based on publicly available data from Tampa Bay Water / City of Tampa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). 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?
Tampa has PFAS levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA suggests that NSF-certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels. With very hard water (190 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Tampa Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
185 ppm
45% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Exceeds EPA limit
20% of cities exceed EPA limit
How Hard is Tampa Water?
190 ppm
11.1 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 190 ppm, Tampa has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 140–300 ppm
Based on 15 samples from Tampa Bay Water / City of Tampa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024)
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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.75 ppb
Tampa lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-06-01
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
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
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
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
+ 2 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. The EPA suggests that certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Radium 226+228
50% of EPA limit
Other Detected Contaminants
16 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
33.55 ppb Range: 8.75-36.15 Highest LRAA across regional system; chloramines final disinfectant | 80 ppb | Safe 42% of limit | |
22.65 ppb Range: 1.45-26.79 Highest LRAA across regional system | 60 ppb | Safe 38% of limit | |
Bromate | 0.8 ppb Range: 0-2.51 Highest RAA; from ozone treatment at surface water plant | 10 ppb | Safe 8% of limit |
0.37 ppm Range: 0.071-0.591 Naturally occurring from Floridan Aquifer; not added | 4 ppm | Safe 9% of limit | |
3.17 ppm Highest at Brandon Urban Dispersed Well 7 | 10 ppm | Safe 32% of limit | |
Radium 226+228 | 2.5 pCi/L From Floridan Aquifer groundwater | 5 pCi/L | Safe 50% of limit |
Alpha Emitters | 4.3 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Safe 29% of limit |
1.66 ppb | 30 ppb | Safe 6% of limit | |
4.5 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 City of Tampa - avg 4.5 ppt (2/8 samples). Tampa Bay Water regional monitoring did not detect PFOA at wholesale delivery points. Compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 113% of limit | |
5.42 ppt Range: 0-6.9 UCMR5 City of Tampa - avg 5.42 ppt (5/8 samples). Compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 136% of limit | |
3.93 ppt Range: 0-4.1 UCMR5 City of Tampa | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Safe 39% of limit | |
PFBA | 6.08 ppt Range: 0-6.4 UCMR5 City of Tampa; Tampa Bay Water regional avg ~4-6 ppt at delivery points | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 4.41 ppt Range: 3-6.4 UCMR5 City of Tampa (8/8 samples); Tampa Bay Water regional avg 4.2-4.5 ppt | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 5.03 ppt Range: 0-6 UCMR5 City of Tampa; Tampa Bay Water regional avg 4.1-5.7 ppt | N/A | Safe |
PFHpA | 3.9 ppt Range: 0-3.9 UCMR5 City of Tampa | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 6.54 ppt Range: 3.7-8.4 UCMR5 City of Tampa (8/8 samples); Tampa Bay Water regional avg 5.5-7.5 ppt | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
83
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
83
Administrative
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.
Who Provides Tampa's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF TAMPA WATER DEPARTMENT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
FL6290327
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
1.0M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tampa tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Florida
Miami
Very Hard water
Orlando
Very Hard water
Jacksonville
Soft water
West Palm Beach
Very Hard water
Clearwater
Very Hard water
Lithia
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: Tampa Bay Water / City of Tampa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report