Is Albany, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Albany, TX — Water Quality Report
Albany's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,154 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 84 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Albany's water
Albany ranks #966 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Albany, TX water safe to drink?
Albany's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,154 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Albany
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Albany's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Albany's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Albany's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shackelford County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Albany's water come from?
Albany's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,154 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Albany residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Albany's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Albany
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Albany, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EBAA IRON INC JACK RABBIT DIV ALBANY, TX76430 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Shackelford County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Albany's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 6.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Albany compares by contaminant
Explore where Albany ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Albany's water comes from
Albany's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 5,154 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Albany
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT GRIFFIN SUD | TX2090005 | 3,300 | SWP |
| CITY OF ALBANY | TX2090001 | 1,854 | SW |
How Albany compares
Full Texas rankings →Albany's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Albany, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Albany's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shackelford
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany, TX tap water safe to drink?
Albany's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #966 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Albany's water?
Lead was measured at 6.6 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is Albany'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 Albany?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Albany's water come from?
Albany's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,154 residents.
What health violations has Albany's water system had?
Albany has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Albany's water compare to other cities?
Albany ranks #966 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 9% of state cities) and #14884 out of 15744 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.