Is Baird, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Baird, TX — Water Quality Report
Baird's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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 60 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baird's water
Baird ranks #922 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.
As a small community water system, Baird may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baird, TX water safe to drink?
Baird's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Baird
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baird's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baird's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baird's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Callahan County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Baird's water come from?
Baird's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Baird residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baird'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.
Baird'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
Flood & disaster history
Callahan County has experienced 4 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 Baird compares by contaminant
Explore where Baird ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baird's water comes from
Baird'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Baird
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BAIRD | TX0300001 | 1,500 | SW |
How Baird compares
Full Texas rankings →Baird's score of 44/100 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 Baird, TX
Wikipedia →Baird is a city in and the county seat of Callahan County, Texas, United States. Its population was 1,479 at the 2020 census. The city is named after Matthew Baird, the owner and director of the Texas and Pacific Railway. The railway depot is now operated as the visitor center and a transportation museum.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baird's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Callahan
Frequently asked questions
Is Baird, TX tap water safe to drink?
Baird's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #922 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Baird's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Baird'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 Baird?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baird's water come from?
Baird's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Baird's water system had?
Baird has 21 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. 26 violations remain unresolved.
How does Baird's water compare to other cities?
Baird ranks #922 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 14% of state cities) and #14485 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Baird's small water system affect quality?
Baird's system serves approximately 1,500 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 60 violations on record.