Failing Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
6.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Warning |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:2 FTS | 49.0 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| 8:2 FTS | 15.3 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFOA | 10.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Above final MCL value |
| PFBA | 8.6 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFOS | 7.8 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Above final MCL value |
| PFDA | 7.5 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFPeA | 4.0 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFHxA | 3.5 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in ZIP code 00901 (00901) receives an overall grade of F (Failing) with a score of 29 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by Metropolitano, a surface water system providing water to approximately 1,077,332 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed the EPA final MCL value used for comparison — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 52 violations, including 39 health-based violations.
A score of 29/100 flags the highest level of concern in the US Water Score model for ZIP 00901. Public records may include significant violations, contaminant exceedances, or enforcement actions. Use official utility reports and qualified professional guidance for current safety decisions.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Tap water in ZIP code 00901 receives a grade of F (Failing) with a score of 29/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.
ZIP code 00901 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 1,077,332 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Lead was reported at 6.0 ppb in public-system records for ZIP code 00901. This is below the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb, but may be above more protective health guidance; EPA's future LCRI action level is 10 ppb. Household plumbing can materially change tap-level exposure, so consider certified filtration and individual tap testing, especially where children are present.
Yes — 8 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving ZIP code 00901, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.
Water systems serving ZIP code 00901 have received 52 violations in the last 5 years, including 39 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in ZIP code 00901 should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.