Lakeland Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Lakeland tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 312 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is Lakeland Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Lakeland tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •312 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative issues like missed testing deadlines or late reports).
- •While not directly health-related, frequent administrative violations may indicate operational issues with the water utility.
- •We recommend testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.
The data below shows test results from 26 water utilities serving 272K people in the Lakeland area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Lakeland Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for Lakeland.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.79 ppb
Lakeland lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-01
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
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, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
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
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
312
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
312
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Lakeland's Water?
Utility Name
LAKELAND, CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
FL6531014
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
272K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lakeland tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Florida
Miami
Very Hard water
Orlando
Very Hard water
Tampa
Jacksonville
Soft water
West Palm Beach
Very Hard water
Clearwater
Very Hard water
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