Is Bartow, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Bartow tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 1 of 2 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFBS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Bartow Get Its Water?
Water in Bartow, FL is provided by 3 public water systems: BARTOW, CITY OF, SOUTHWEST/POLK COUNTY UTILITY and CENTRAL.
How Is Bartow Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine and ozone. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection, in-line filtration and slow sand filtration.
What's in Bartow Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Bartow public water systems. 1 of 2 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 0.0063 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Bartow
Based on EPA monitoring data, 1 of 2 ZIP codes in Bartow have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bartow Tap Water
Is Bartow tap water safe to drink?
Bartow tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 1 of 2 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Bartow tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Bartow water systems include: PFBS, lithium, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Bartow get its drinking water?
Bartow receives water from 3 public water systems, including BARTOW, CITY OF.
Do I need a water filter in Bartow?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Bartow tap water tested?
Public water systems in Bartow are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-09-25.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Bartow
- 33830 - Bartow CCD, Bartow tap water report Higher concern
- 33831 - Bartow tap water report No recent data
Water utilities serving Bartow, FL
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- BARTOW, CITY OFLooks OK
Also covers / overlaps with
- Alturas, FL · CDP
- Bartow CCD, FL · Township
- Winter Haven-Auburndale CCD, FL · Township