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Palm Bay Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Palm Bay tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At 360.5 ppm (21.1 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. Only 2 minor violations in the past 3 years.

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Some Concerns

Monitor recommended

21.1 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

2.1ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Very Hard water

360.5ppm
0100433+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

2total

2 health-based

View EPA report →

Is Palm Bay Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Palm Bay tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.

  • •2 health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter for added safety.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 141K people in the Palm Bay area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Palm Bay Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

360.5 ppm

21.1 grains per gallon

Very Hard

Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.

Estimated from 3 neighboring counties. 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

Palm Bay
360.5
Florida
180
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 156 water samples from Brevard County.

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 Palm Bay tap water.

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Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Palm Bay

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.1 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Palm Bay lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2023-12-01

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

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

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

Action Recommended

Active health-based violations detected

Consider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.

3-Year Violation Summary

2

Total Violations

2

Health-Related

0

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

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.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Palm Bay

Who Provides Palm Bay's Water?

Utility Name

PALM BAY, CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

FL3050442

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

141K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Palm Bay tap water quality

Palm Bay tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable EPA limits. You may want to consider using a water filter, especially for drinking water. Check the detailed report for specific contaminant levels.
Palm Bay has very hard water with a hardness of 360.5 ppm (21.1 grains per gallon). Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Lead levels (2.1 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Palm Bay's tap water is provided by PALM BAY, CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is FL3050442. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Palm Bay. The water is very hard (360.5 ppm), so a water softener could reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Palm Bay's water utility has had 2 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 2 were health-based and 0 were monitoring/reporting related.
Palm Bay's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Palm Bay's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by PALM BAY, CITY OF.

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

View all Florida cities

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