What contaminants are in Lake Sarasota's water?

Lake Sarasota's water utility tests for 103 different contaminants. Currently, 1 contaminant is above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Lake Sarasota?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Lake Sarasota. With 1 contaminant above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does Lake Sarasota have any water quality violations?

SARASOTA CO SPECIAL UTIL DIST currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

Is Lake Sarasota's water hard or soft?

Lake Sarasota's water has 169 PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in Lake Sarasota tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Lake Sarasota's tap water include Bromodichloromethane. These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Lake Sarasota?

While you can technically drink tap water in Lake Sarasota as it meets legal requirements, 1 contaminant is above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Lake Sarasota's water tested?

SARASOTA CO SPECIAL UTIL DIST is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Lake Sarasota's tap water come from?

Lake Sarasota's drinking water comes from surface water purchased. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using air stripping, conventional, disinfection, filtration before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Lake Sarasota?

Lake Sarasota has 1 contaminant above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 103+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Lake Sarasota water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Lake Sarasota water include: Hardness (Total), Orthophosphate (as P), pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium. Of these, 1 exceeds EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by SARASOTA CO SPECIAL UTIL DIST and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Lake Sarasota Tap Water Quality Report

Lake Sarasota's water has 1 contaminant above EPA MCLGs. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

SARASOTA CO SPECIAL

People Served

209,309

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-09-17

Is Lake Sarasota Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Lake Sarasota's water has 1 contaminant above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 209,309 people in the Lake Sarasota area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-09-17.

Search by ZIP code More FL cities

Lake Sarasota Water Service Areas

Loading service area map...

Recommended Water Filters for Lake Sarasota

Based on Lake Sarasota's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Culligan

ZeroWater

24.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

NSF-372

Flow Rate

1.9 gpm

Daily Production

1 gpd

Removes 19 contaminants:

Nitrate, Copper, Zinc, Barium, Sulfate +14 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Santevia

19.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

0.36 gpm

Removes 1 contaminants:

Chlorine

View Details

Highly Rated

Waterdrop

N/A

(65 reviews)

39.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 5 contaminants:

Various, Chlorine, Heavy metals, Fluoride, Bacteria

View Details

Highly Rated

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,578 reviews)

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.7 gpm

Removes 19 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Test Your Water Quality

Professional laboratory testing provides accurate, detailed analysis of your drinking water.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

Advanced Microplastics Test

$636

Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.

(30 reviews)

10-14 days

1+ tested

Advanced detection technology

Comprehensive particle analysis

Emerging contaminant testing

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Sarasota Tap Water

Lake Sarasota's water has 1 contaminant above EPA MCLGs. While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

Lake Sarasota Tap Water Quality Report

Is Lake Sarasota Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Lake Sarasota Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Lake Sarasota

ZeroWater

N/A

W11256135

Browse All Water Filter Types

Test Your Water Quality

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Sarasota Tap Water

Is Lake Sarasota tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Lake Sarasota's water?

Do I need a water filter in Lake Sarasota?

Does Lake Sarasota have any water quality violations?

Is Lake Sarasota's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Lake Sarasota tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Lake Sarasota?

How often is Lake Sarasota's water tested?

Where does Lake Sarasota's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Lake Sarasota?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Lake Sarasota water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality