D
39

Poor Water Quality

Lorida, FL 33857

Highlands County · Population served: 450 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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HIDDEN ACRES ESTATES
Groundwater · Pop. 250
PWSID: FL5280129
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THE PALMS ESTATES WTP
Groundwater · Pop. 200
PWSID: FL5280211

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
10.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

93Total (5yr)
58Health-Based
32Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Lorida

Tap water quality in Lorida, Florida (33857) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 39 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 24 points below the Florida state average of 63. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 450 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 93 violations, including 58 health-based violations.

Your Score 39/100 D
vs State 24 pts below Florida avg (63)
vs National 36 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 39/100 signals poor water quality in Lorida, FL. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

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Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

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.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Lorida, Florida receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 39/100. 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 33857 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 450 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

Lead was detected at 10.0 ppb in Lorida, Florida. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Lorida, Florida during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Lorida, Florida have received 93 violations in the last 5 years, including 58 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), residents in Lorida, Florida should consider: NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter — specifically rated for lead reduction. Pitcher filters (like Brita Longlast or PUR) and under-sink systems both work. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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