WaterVerge

Is Abbott, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: TX1090023
Overall Score
83.6 / 100
Violations
12 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#264 of 1067 in Texas Top 40% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.6/100

Abbott, TX — Water Quality Report

Abbott's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,237 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 21 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Abbott's water

Abbott ranks #264 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Abbott relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Abbott may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Abbott, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Abbott's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,237 residents using groundwater (wells).

12
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Abbott

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Abbott's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Abbott's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Abbott's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2021 Chlorine Resolved
Dec 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2020 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hill County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla, Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4416
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3294

Where does Abbott's water come from?

Abbott's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,237 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla (lake), Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla (river).

What Abbott residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Abbott's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Abbott's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

21
Total violations
0
Health-based
12
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

21 Total
12 Active
0 Health-based
9 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Ground Water Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2011 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2021 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2021
Jan 2020 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2018
Oct 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Apr 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2013
Jul 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Showing 20 of 21 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Abbott

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Abbott, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JOHNS MANVILLE
Plastics and Rubber · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
HILLSBORO, TX76645
9.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Hill County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

15.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
9
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Hill County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Feb 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4416
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #3294
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1994 (1.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,237
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Abbott's water comes from

Groundwater

Abbott's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,237 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Abbott

Abbott is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla
lake
Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Abbott

System Name PWSID Population Source
MENLOW WSC TX1090023 831 GW
CITY OF ABBOTT TX1090015 406 GW
Regional Comparison

How Abbott compares

Full Texas rankings →

Abbott's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Abbott (this city)
83.6
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Abbott, TX

Wikipedia →

Abbott is a city in Hill County, Texas, United States. It is 24.7 miles (39.8 km) north of Waco, along Interstate 35. The population was 352 in 2020.

Economic Profile
$94,688
Median Income
$172,872
Median Home Value
1.3%
Unemployment
Community
38.8
Median Age
188
People / sq mi
39.4%
College Educated
90.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Abbott, TX tap water safe to drink?

Abbott's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #264 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Abbott's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.

How is Abbott's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Abbott?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Abbott's water come from?

Abbott's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,237 residents.

Is Abbott's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Abbott uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 21 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Abbott's water compare to other cities?

Abbott ranks #264 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 75% of state cities) and #6340 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.