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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 33981 Water Quality Report

Port Charlotte, FL · Charlotte County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

14

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 33981

Tap water in ZIP code 33981 (Port Charlotte, FL) receives a C grade (score: 58/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Charlotte County Utilities is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Charlotte County Utilities

EPA ID: FL5084100

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

172,040 residents

County

Charlotte County County, Florida

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Lead Levels in ZIP 33981

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

Lead Level: 9.6 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 33981 is 9.6 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 33981 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 38% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
9.60 ppb (0.0096 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

2 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

38%
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

Charlotte County Utilities has recorded 14 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. 3 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)
14
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
3
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Charlotte County 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 33981. 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 (2.5 ppm)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Charlotte County 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
Ground water from Floridan Aquifer and Peace River surface water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$56
Energy Burden

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

2.01%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 33981 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

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 33981 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 33981?+
Tap water in 33981 (Port Charlotte, FL) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 33981 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 33981 is 9.6 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 33981?+
Tap water in ZIP code 33981 is provided by Charlotte County Utilities (EPA ID: FL5084100). This system serves approximately 172,040 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 33981?+
ZIP code 33981 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 33981 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 3 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Charlotte County Utilities for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 33981?+
Your water utility — Charlotte County 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 "Charlotte County Utilities Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 33981?+
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 33981, 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 33981 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 9.6 ppb in 33981, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 33981 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 Charlotte County 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 →