Is Apple Springs, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 68 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Apple Springs, TX — Water Quality Report
Apple Springs's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,638 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 227 violations on record, including 106 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.
What to know about Apple Springs's water
Apple Springs ranks #833 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Apple Springs 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, Apple Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 70 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Apple Springs, TX water safe to drink?
Apple Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,638 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Apple Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Apple Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Apple Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Apple Springs's water system has 227 total violations on record, including 106 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 70 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Trinity County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Apple Springs's water come from?
Apple Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,638 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Apple Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Apple Springs'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.
Apple Springs'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTrinity 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Trinity County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Apple Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Apple Springs ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Apple Springs's water comes from
Apple Springs'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 1,638 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Apple Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOGALUS CENTRALIA WSC | TX2280006 | 656 | GW |
| APPLE SPRINGS WSC | TX2280004 | 630 | GW |
| NIGTON WAKEFIELD WSC | TX2280036 | 352 | GW |
How Apple Springs compares
Full Texas rankings →Apple Springs's score of 47/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Apple Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trinity
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Springs, TX tap water safe to drink?
Apple Springs's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #833 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Apple Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 227 violations are on record.
How is Apple Springs'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 Apple Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Apple Springs's water come from?
Apple Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,638 residents.
What health violations has Apple Springs's water system had?
Apple Springs has 106 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 68 violations remain unresolved.
Is Apple Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Apple Springs 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 227 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 Apple Springs's water compare to other cities?
Apple Springs ranks #833 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 22% of state cities) and #13763 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.