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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 33635 Water Quality Report

Tampa, FL · Hillsborough County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

27

Lead Risk

Low

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 33635

Tap water in ZIP code 33635 (Tampa, FL) has received a D grade (score: 54/100) — below average for the nation. Hcwrc/northwest Utilities has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Hcwrc/northwest Utilities

EPA ID: FL6290388

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

208,982 residents

County

Hillsborough County County, Florida

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Lead Levels in ZIP 33635

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

Lead Level: 0.7 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 33635 is 0.7 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 33635 is rated Low. EPA models estimate a 14% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This rating reflects newer infrastructure, lower housing age, and/or low detected lead levels. Standard precautions — flushing taps before use, using filtered water for infants — are still recommended.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.70 ppb (0.0007 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

3.05 mg/L
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

1.8 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.3 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Low
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

14%
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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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Hcwrc/northwest Utilities has recorded 27 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 13 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
27
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
13
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Hcwrc/northwest Utilities has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 33635. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Chlorine and Chloramines (3.5 ppm)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

3 enforcement actions have been issued against Hcwrc/northwest Utilities — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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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.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Hillsborough River; supplemented with aquifer storage and recovery wells and Tampa Bay Water purchases
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$14
Energy Burden

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

1.71%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 33635 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Hcwrc/northwest Utilities to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 33635 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 33635?+
Tap water in 33635 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 33635 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 33635 is 0.7 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 33635?+
Tap water in ZIP code 33635 is provided by Hcwrc/northwest Utilities (EPA ID: FL6290388). This system serves approximately 208,982 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 33635?+
ZIP code 33635 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 33635 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 13 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Hcwrc/northwest Utilities for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 33635?+
Your water utility — Hcwrc/northwest Utilities — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Hcwrc/northwest Utilities Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 33635?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 33635, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 33635 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 33635 shows a lead level of 0.7 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 33635 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 Hcwrc/northwest Utilities. 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 →