C
65

Fair Water Quality

Zolfo Springs, FL 33890

Hardee County · Population served: 2,362 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
ZOLFO SPRINGS WTP
Groundwater · Pop. 2,062
PWSID: FL6250332
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BROOKSIDE BLUFF RV PARK
Groundwater · Pop. 300
PWSID: FL6254762

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
7.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

20Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
14Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Zolfo Springs

Tap water quality in Zolfo Springs, Florida (33890) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 65 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Florida state average of 63. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 2,362 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. The area has 20 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 65/100 C
vs State 2 pts above Florida avg (63)
vs National 10 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 65/100 indicates fair water quality in Zolfo Springs, FL. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

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 Zolfo Springs, Florida receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 65/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 33890 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 2,362 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 7.0 ppb in Zolfo Springs, 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 Zolfo Springs, 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 Zolfo Springs, Florida have received 20 violations in the last 5 years. 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 Zolfo Springs, 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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