Safe
Florida, United States
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Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Tampa?
Yes, tap water in Tampa is safe to drink. It's supplied by a mix of the Hillsborough River, regional reservoirs, and one of the largest seawater desalination plants in the U.S.
Hardness
Moderate
pH
7.4–7.9
TDS
ranges 200–350 ppm
EPA Status
Compliant
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Tampa Bay Water supplies the region from a blend of the Hillsborough River, the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir, regional groundwater wells, and the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant compliance concerns in treated supply
- •Blended sourcing means mineral content can vary modestly by season depending on desalination and reservoir contribution
How It Compares
Tampa Bay's regional water supply system, blending surface water, groundwater, and desalination, is often cited as a model for diversified water security in a hurricane-prone region.
Tips
- •Tampa Bay Water publishes an annual regional water quality report
- •Taste can vary modestly by season depending on the desalination/reservoir blend
- •No need for bottled water around the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality