EPA system FL2180863 · Florida
City of Palm Coast Utility: Lithium at or above EPA's 10 ppb health reference level
highest single sample; sampled March 2025–September 2025. Source: EPA UCMR 5 final release, August 2026.
City of Palm Coast Utility is a privately owned community water system in Florida serving about 112,324 people, matched to 4 ZIP codes.
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
health reference level 10 ppb · at or above the health reference level
What EPA says about what was found
- Lithium EPA's health reference level is derived from a 2008 provisional toxicity value based on effects seen at therapeutic lithium doses; EPA notes the assessment is provisional. EPA source
Quoted from EPA assessments. This site adds no health claims of its own.
PFAS and lithium: what EPA's national survey found
EPA tested this water for 30 substances and found 1. Lithium reached 13.5 ppb; EPA's health reference level, which is guidance and not a limit, is 10 ppb.
Between March 2025 and September 2025, EPA's UCMR 5 program tested 172 samples from 3 sampling locations for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS plus lithium). 1 were detected above the reporting level in at least one sample. Lithium reached 13.5 ppb in a single sample, at or above the health reference level of 10 ppb, which is non-regulatory.
Show the 29 contaminants not detected above the reporting level
Full table: samples, detections, highest single sample, complete-set average and sampling dates for all 30 contaminants
| Contaminant | Samples | Detections | Highest single sample | Complete-set average (results used) | EPA reference | Status | Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium | 6 | 3 | 13.5 ppb | 11.4 ppb (2 of 2) | 10 ppb health reference level · compared on the highest sample | at or above the health reference level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| 4:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| 6:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| 8:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 6 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| ADONA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| NEtFOSAA | 4 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| NFDHA | 6 | 0 | < 20.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| NMeFOSAA | 4 | 0 | < 6.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFBA | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 6,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFBS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 2,000 ppt health-based water concentration · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFDA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFDoA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFEESA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFHpA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFHpS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFHxA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 3,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFHxS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFMBA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFMPA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFNA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFOA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFOS | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFPeA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFPeS | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFTA | 4 | 0 | < 8.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFTrDA | 4 | 0 | < 7.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
| PFUnA | 6 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2025 – September 2025 |
Sampling-point average: mean of a location's two (ground water) or four (surface water) UCMR 5 results with non-detects counted as zero, EPA's method for comparing UCMR 5 data to the PFAS MCLs. EPA rounds to the reference value's significant digits before deciding whether an average is "greater than" an MCL (PFOA/PFOS averages count as above 4.0 ng/L only from 4.05 ng/L; lithium results count as above the 10 ppb reference only from 15 ppb). This site does not apply that rounding: "at or above" here means the measured value is numerically at or above the reference.
Every detection by sampling location (3 results)
| Date | Sampling location | Source water | Contaminant | Result | Reporting level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2025 | WTP #1 POE WTP #1 (Lime Softening Plant) | ground water | Lithium | 9.3 ppb | 9 ppb |
| Sep 24, 2025 | WTP #1 POE WTP #1 (Lime Softening Plant) | ground water | Lithium | 13.5 ppb | 9 ppb |
| Sep 24, 2025 | WTP #2 POE WTP #2 (Membrane Softening Plant) | ground water | Lithium | 9.4 ppb | 9 ppb |
Utility-reported context (UCMR 5 questionnaire, aggregated across sampling events): PFAS previously found at this system: yes at 6 of 6 sampling events; potential PFAS sources nearby: no at 6 of 6 sampling events; PFAS treatment in place: no PFAS treatment at 6 of 6 sampling events.
Lead at customer taps
In the latest completed monitoring period, ending Dec 1, 2025, 9 in 10 sampled homes had lead at or below 1.3 ppb, below the 15 ppb action level that triggers utility action. The action level has been reached in 1 of the 17 periods on record.
In the most recent completed lead monitoring period, ending Dec 1, 2025, the 90th-percentile lead result at customer taps was 1.3 ppb, below the action level of 15 ppb; 1 of the 17 monitoring periods on record reached the action level. The 90th percentile is the value that 9 in 10 sampled homes were at or below. Values are in parts per billion (ppb).
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 1, 2025 | Lead | 1.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 1, 2022 | Lead | 1.2 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 1, 2019 | Lead | 0.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 1, 2017 | Lead | 12.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 1, 2016 | Lead | 1.6 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 1, 2013 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 1, 2010 | Lead | 1.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2007 – Dec 1, 2007 | Lead | 1.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2004 | Lead | 1.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 1, 2004 | Lead | 1.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2001 | Lead | 3.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1998 – Dec 31, 1998 | Lead | 5.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Show all 17 monitoring periods on record
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 1, 2025 | Lead | 1.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 1, 2022 | Lead | 1.2 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 1, 2019 | Lead | 0.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 1, 2017 | Lead | 12.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 1, 2016 | Lead | 1.6 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 1, 2013 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 1, 2010 | Lead | 1.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2007 – Dec 1, 2007 | Lead | 1.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2004 | Lead | 1.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 1, 2004 | Lead | 1.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2001 | Lead | 3.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1998 – Dec 31, 1998 | Lead | 5.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1995 – Dec 31, 1995 | Lead | 9.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1994 – Dec 31, 1994 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1993 – Dec 31, 1993 | Lead | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1993 – Jun 30, 1993 | Lead | 9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1992 – Dec 31, 1992 | Lead | 21 ppb | 15 ppb | at or above the action level |
Drinking water violations since Sep 3, 2016
EPA lists 5 violations since Sep 3, 2016. None is health-based. All concern missed monitoring, reporting or public notices, not the water itself.
EPA's SDWIS database lists 5 violations recorded since Sep 3, 2016: 4 for monitoring or reporting, 1 other (public notification or consumer confidence report requirements), none health-based.
| Compliance period | Type | Contaminant / rule | Description | Records | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2024 | Other | Consumer Confidence Rule | Consumer Confidence Report Inadequate Reporting | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jan 1, 2023 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | MR | Total Haloacetic Acids (Haa5) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | MR | Total Haloacetic Acids (Haa5) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jan 1, 2020 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
Sanitary surveys and site visits
Most recent state inspection: Dec 11, 2024 (sanitary survey); 2 visits since Sep 3, 2021.
What you can do about these results
Filters certified for lead reduction
1 of this utility's 17 lead monitoring periods on record reached the 15 ppb action level (most recent 90th percentile 1.3 ppb).
NSF/ANSI 53 with a lead-reduction claim, or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. Lead comes from plumbing, so a point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap is the relevant type.
Lithium: what reduces it
Lithium reached 13.5 ppb in a single sample, at or above EPA's non-regulatory 10 ppb health reference level.
No NSF/ANSI certification claim exists for lithium. Reverse osmosis systems reduce dissolved minerals generally; we do not recommend a specific product for lithium.
ZIP codes served
Sources
Data vintage: EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, samples collected 2023-01-03 – 2026-06-17, final release, August 2026 (file dated Aug 28, 2026); EPA SDWIS via ECHO, 2026Q2 extract (file dated Jul 9, 2026); EPA service-area boundaries v3.0; Census 2020 ZCTAs. Page generated 2026-09-03.
- EPA ECHO detailed facility report
- EPA UCMR 5 Data Finder
- EPA service-area boundary: modeled, 138.5 sq mi
