ZIP Code 34202 Water Quality & Testing Report
Bradenton, FL · Manatee County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 34202 (Bradenton, FL)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 34202 (Bradenton, FL) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Manatee County Utilities Department, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (81/100) with 1 health violations, 1.7 ppb lead, and hard (125 mg/L / 7.3 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Good — Minor issues on record
Health Violations
1
Total Violations
17
Lead Risk
Low
Contaminants
1
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 12 unresolved violations. Contact Manatee County Utilities Department for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 34202
Tap water in ZIP code 34202 (Bradenton, FL) is distributed by Manatee County Utilities Department (EPA ID: FL6411132), serving approximately 347,800 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 81/100.
Water System
Manatee County Utilities Department
EPA ID: FL6411132
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
347,800 residents
County
Manatee County County, Florida
Lead Levels in ZIP 34202
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 1.7 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 34202 is rated Low. EPA models estimate a 9% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 34202 is Hard (125 mg/L / 7.3 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Manatee County Utilities Department · PWSID: FL6411132
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Manatee County Utilities Department has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 17 total violations over the past 5 years. 12 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Chloramines (3.2 ppm); Haloacetic acids (46.2 ppb); Total trihalomethanes (50.2 ppb)
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Lower potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 34202
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 34202 served by Manatee County Utilities Department 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.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 34202 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Manatee County Utilities Department
- ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
- ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste
Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:
NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter
Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 34202 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 34202?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 34202 (Bradenton, FL)?+
How hard is the tap water in 34202?+
Should I test private well water in 34202?+
What is the lead level in 34202 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 34202?+
Who provides tap water to 34202?+
What water filter should I use in 34202?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 34202 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 Manatee County Utilities Department. 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 →