- Survey of travelers identifies the cities with the best and worst tap water.
- 18 Florida cities included.
- Infographic included of the rankings.
By ITAMG.com
Citrus Daily contributor
When exploring a new city, everything feels different – the weather, the architecture, the people, and even aspects that aren't immediately noticeable, like the city's tap water. Each major city's water supply comes from unique sources, giving it a distinct taste and raising unique safety concerns.
One major threat to tap water safety is e-waste contamination, which leaches toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into groundwater. These pollutants can infiltrate municipal water supplies when electronic devices are improperly discarded in landfills or other unsuitable sites. This contamination not only impacts the safety of the water but can also alter its taste.
To gain insight into public perception and safety concerns regarding tap water quality in various U.S. cities, ITAMG.com, who provide clean, safe and secure removal of redundant IT assets, surveyed 3,000 seasoned travelers asking them a straightforward question: Would you feel safe drinking the tap water in specific cities across the U.S.?
After analyzing the data, ITAMG.com ranked cities across the country, highlighting those with the best and worst tap water based on travelers' firsthand experiences. The study revealed significant disparities between the actual quality and taste of water and public perception.
The 10 least trusted cities for tap water taste and safety were as follows:
#1 Detroit, Michigan
Detroit's tap water is considered the least drinkable among visitors to the city. However, it is sourced from the Detroit River and Lake Huron, and undergoes extensive treatment to meet safety and quality standards. It is generally considered to have a clean and neutral taste, with a slight chlorine taste. The city's perception of the quality of their tap water might be unfairly skewed given its proximity to Flint, which had severe tap water issues in the past. The city actively addresses issues with lead and copper from aging pipes, ensuring the water remains safe for consumption.
#2 New York City, New York
Travelers voted NYC’s tap water as the second least drinkable in the country. This perception might be unfair, as people often associate large metropolises with pollution and poor-quality tap water. However, NYC's tap water is sourced from protected reservoirs in the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds. The water undergoes rigorous treatment and testing, exceeding state and federal standards. Many residents and visitors appreciate its purity, making it a preferred choice for drinking straight from the tap.
#3 New Orleans, Louisiana
The third least popular in the country, the tap water in New Orleans has a distinctive taste due to its source from the Mississippi River and the extensive treatment it undergoes. While safe to drink, some visitors might notice a slight earthy or chlorine taste. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans works to maintain water quality, meeting federal safety standards. However, some prefer to use filters to improve taste.
#4 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge’s tap water is generally considered to have a good taste, sourced from the Southern Hills Aquifer. It is naturally filtered and requires minimal treatment, resulting in a clean and fresh taste. The water quality meets or exceeds all federal and state safety standards, and residents typically find it pleasant to drink.
#5 Warren, Michigan
The 5th least popular in the country, Warren's tap water is sourced from the Great Lakes Water Authority and is treated to ensure safety and quality. Residents generally find the water to have a neutral and clean taste, with some noticing a slight chlorine flavor. The city’s water quality reports indicate compliance with all safety standards, making it safe and palatable for everyday use. However, as with Detroit, visitors’ perceptions of its tap water may be tainted by the state’s previous water quality problems.
#6 Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids' tap water is sourced from Lake Michigan and treated to high standards. The water is known for its clean and crisp taste, with minimal chlorine odor. Regular testing ensures it meets or exceeds safety regulations, and most residents are satisfied with its quality for drinking and cooking.
#7 Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown’s tap water, sourced from the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, is generally well-regarded. It undergoes thorough treatment and regular testing to ensure safety and quality. Visitors might detect a slight chlorine taste, which might contribute to its poor rating among travelers.
#8 College Station, Texas
In 8th place overall, College Station’s tap water is sourced from deep wells in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer and treated to meet safety standards. The water has a generally good taste, though some people visiting may notice a slight chlorine or mineral flavor. The city’s water quality reports confirm compliance with all federal and state regulations, making it safe to drink.
#9 Pembroke Pines, Florida
Pembroke Pines’ tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to ensure safety and quality. Visitors might find the water to have a neutral taste, though a slight chlorine flavor may be present. The city regularly tests the water to meet all safety standards, and most residents are satisfied with its taste and quality.
#10 Buffalo, New York
And rounding up the top 10, is tap water from NY’s Buffalo. Buffalo’s tap water is sourced from Lake Erie and treated to high standards, resulting in a clean and fresh taste. Regular testing ensures the water meets all federal and state safety regulations. Despite travelers’ lowly opinion, it is considered to be of excellent quality, making it suitable for drinking and everyday use.
11 other Florida cities were identified by travelers as having unsatisfactory tap water. However, as with the national top 10, there was a wide disparity between public perception and the actual quality and taste of the local tap water. All of the below cities have tap water declared safe to drink:
#42 Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s tap water is sourced from the City of Cape Coral's municipal potable water supply is groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer.
#49 Hialeah
Hialeah’s tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to ensure safety and quality.
#59 St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s tap water is sourced from local reservoirs and treated groundwater.
#64 Orlando
Orlando’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer.
#87 Hollywood
Hollywood’s tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to meet safety standards.
#91 West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach’s tap water is sourced from local surface water and groundwater.
#93 Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer.
#99 Tallahassee
Tallahassee’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. It undergoes minimal treatment due to its naturally high quality, resulting in a clean and fresh taste.
#103 Miramar
Miramar’s tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to ensure safety and quality.
#106 Miami
Miami’s tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to meet safety standards.
#112 Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer.
6 Florida cities came in the lower half of the rankings, meaning they were among the more highly regarded tap waters in the country. These were:
#136 Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer.
#140 Gainesville
Gainesville’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. It undergoes minimal treatment due to its naturally high quality.
#144 Coral Springs
Coral Springs’ tap water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer and treated to ensure safety and quality.
#146 Palm Bay
Palm Bay’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer.
#160 Tampa
Tampa’s tap water is sourced from the Hillsborough River, the Tampa Bypass Canal, and local groundwater.
#187 Lakeland
Lakeland’s tap water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. It undergoes minimal treatment due to its naturally high quality.
Infographic showing the least popular tap water in American cities, according to visitors
"This study underscores the wide gap between perception and reality when it comes to tap water safety and quality," said Richy George from ITAMG.com. "It's crucial to address e-waste contamination in American cities to ensure safe drinking water for everyone. Proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste can significantly reduce the risk of toxic substances entering our water supplies."