Water Quality | St. Augustine, FL (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to drink tap water in St. Augustine? ›

The City of St. Augustine remains committed to providing clean and safe drinking water. The Water Quality Report for last year (the most recent report available) is provided to the public on or before July 1st.

We are pleased to report that our drinking water meets all federal and state requirements. This year's Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water.

In 2016, the City of Tallahassee's drinking water went on to compete in the nationwide contest, where it was voted a Top 5 Best Tasting Drinking Water in the U.S.A. In 2023, Tallahassee won the FSAWWA Region 1 Best Tasting Drinking Water contest.

Yes, you can swim at St. Augustine Beach as long as you are not within 400 feet of the St. Johns County Ocean Fishing Pier. From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, you will find lifeguards stationed along the shore for your safety.

Our water source is ground water from eight wells, one of which draws from Surficial Aquifer, and seven of which draw from the Floridan Aquifer. Our water treatment process includes a low-pressure Reverse Osmosis / Nanofiltration Treatment Plant, followed by aeration and chloramines disinfection.

The States With the Best and Worst Tap Water

Leading the country in water quality was Kentucky with a score of 768 points. Louisville Water actually trademarks its water, known as Louisville Pure Tap®. Washington, New York, Oregon, and Kansas were close behind Kentucky in the rankings.

And yet in the past 50 years, Florida's passive and arbitrary environmental law enforcement has allowed the Suwannee River and springs to become Florida's most polluted river.. Residents of North Florida need to look no further than their local springs to see noxious algae just as South Florida is experiencing .

In Florida, most of the fresh water we use comes from underground aquifers.

Where does Florida rank in water quality? ›

Known for its theme parks and sandy beaches, the Sunshine State ranks among the worst in the nation for water quality. Not that it isn't trying, but sprawling development and ecological disasters make it hard to keep pace. Florida was second only to Texas in Safe Water Drinking Act violations.

St. Augustine is generally considered safe to walk around at night, especially in well-traveled areas such as the historic downtown district. The city takes pride in its historic charm and strives to maintain a welcoming and secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life in the area. The absence of a flag does not mean there is no danger, as beach visitors should always exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.

Those hoping to avoid the crowds should head north to Vilano Beach. The beaches here are highly acclaimed as safe, clean, and a lot of fun. Go shell hunting, visit the Vilano beach restaurants, or go fishing on the Vilano pier.

The good news is that while Florida ranks among states with the worst water quality, tap water in the Sunshine State is considered safe to drink. The EPA and FDEP regulate the state's water supply to ensure it meets federal and state standards for safe drinking water.

City Ordinance: Section 4-5

Augustine prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public. This includes sidewalks, public parks, and parking lots. If you are hosting a party where alcohol is served, you are required to contain the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages within private property.

Augustine beach is surrounded by stunning blue water on 3 sides. Plus, this beach isn't just great to look at. This one-of-a-kind location also makes it a fantastic destination for all sorts of watersports, including fishing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, and bodyboarding.