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WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 32320 Water Quality & Testing Report

Apalachicola, FL · Franklin County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 32320 (Apalachicola, FL)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 32320 (Apalachicola, FL) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (68/100) due to 6 health violation(s) and 3.0 ppb lead. While treated by City of Apalachicola,, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

6

Total Violations

16

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 32320

Tap water in ZIP code 32320 (Apalachicola, FL) is distributed by City of Apalachicola, (EPA ID: FL1190150), serving approximately 5,235 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 68/100.

Water System

City of Apalachicola,

EPA ID: FL1190150

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

5,235 residents

County

Franklin County County, Florida

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Lead Levels in ZIP 32320

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 32320 is 3.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 32320 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 51% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.00 ppb (0.003 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

51%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard9.8 GPG · 168 mg/L

Water in ZIP 32320 is Hard (168 mg/L / 9.8 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

9.8 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

168 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: City of Apalachicola, · PWSID: FL1190150

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

City of Apalachicola, has recorded 6 health-based violations out of 16 total violations over the past 5 years. 5 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
16
Health-Based Violations
6
Unresolved Violations
5
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$76
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.01%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 32320

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 32320 served by City of Apalachicola, can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in FL for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 32320 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

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NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.

Lead Filter Guide →
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NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 32320 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 32320?+
Tap water in 32320 (Apalachicola, FL) meets major standards but has a grade of C due to minor past violations. Vulnerable populations may want to use a certified filter as a precaution.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 32320 (Apalachicola, FL)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 32320, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in FL. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 32320?+
Tap water in 32320 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 168 mg/L (9.8 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 32320?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 32320 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 32320 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 32320 is 3.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 32320?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 32320. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 32320?+
Tap water in ZIP code 32320 is provided by City of Apalachicola, (EPA ID: FL1190150), serving approximately 5,235 residents.
What water filter should I use in 32320?+
Based on water metrics for 32320, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 58 (Reverse Osmosis), NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead & VOCs), NSF/ANSI P473 (PFAS/PFOS).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 32320 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Apalachicola,. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →