Is Archer City, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Archer City, TX — Water Quality Report
Archer City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,595 residents using surface water.
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 29 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Archer City's water
Archer City ranks #44 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Archer City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Archer City, TX water safe to drink?
Archer City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,595 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Archer City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Archer City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Archer City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Archer City's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Archer County has experienced 3 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 Little Wichita Rv Nr Archer City.
Where does Archer City's water come from?
Archer City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,595 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Wichita Rv Nr Archer City (river).
What Archer City residents can do
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.
Archer City'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 droughtArcher 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
Archer County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Archer City compares by contaminant
Explore where Archer City ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Archer City's water comes from
Archer City'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 1,595 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Archer City
Archer City is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Archer City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ARCHER CITY | TX0050001 | 1,595 | SW |
How Archer City compares
Full Texas rankings →Archer City's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Archer City, TX
Wikipedia →Archer City is a city in and the county seat of Archer County, Texas, United States. The city lies at the junction of State Highway 79 and State Highway 25. It is located 25 miles (40 km) south of Wichita Falls, and is part of the Wichita Falls metropolitan statistical area. Its population was 1,601 at the 2020 census. Archer City is notable as a filming location for the motion picture The Last Picture Show (1971) and its sequel Texasville (1990), both based upon novels written by Archer City native Larry McMurtry.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Archer City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Archer
Frequently asked questions
Is Archer City, TX tap water safe to drink?
Archer City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Archer City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Archer City'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 Archer City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Archer City's water come from?
Archer City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,595 residents.
What health violations has Archer City's water system had?
Archer City has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Archer City's water compare to other cities?
Archer City ranks #44 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 96% of state cities) and #2664 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Archer City's small water system affect quality?
Archer City's system serves approximately 1,595 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 29 violations on record.