Is Bandera, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.2/100
waterverge.com Bandera, TX — Water Quality Report
Bandera's drinking water received a grade of C (63.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,397 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 88 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bandera's water
Bandera ranks #661 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bandera 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.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bandera, TX water safe to drink?
Bandera's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,397 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bandera
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bandera's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.2/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Bandera's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bandera's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bandera County has experienced 2 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 Medina Rv At Bandera, Medina Rv Abv English Crsg Nr Pipe Creek.
Where does Bandera's water come from?
Bandera's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,397 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Medina Rv At Bandera (river), Medina Rv Abv English Crsg Nr Pipe Creek (river).
What Bandera residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bandera'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.
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 droughtBandera 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
Bandera County has experienced 2 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 Bandera compares by contaminant
Explore where Bandera ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bandera's water comes from
Bandera'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 5,397 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Bandera
Bandera is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bandera
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BANDERA | TX0100012 | 3,231 | GW |
| BANDERA RIVER RANCH 1 | TX0100017 | 1,038 | GW |
| FLYING L PUD | TX0100016 | 987 | GW |
| PECAN GROVE | TX0100059 | 141 | GW |
How Bandera compares
Full Texas rankings →Bandera's score of 63.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Bandera, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bandera's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bandera
Frequently asked questions
Is Bandera, TX tap water safe to drink?
Bandera's water quality earned a grade of C (63.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #661 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Bandera's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Bandera'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 Bandera?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bandera's water come from?
Bandera's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,397 residents.
What health violations has Bandera's water system had?
Bandera has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bandera's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bandera 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 88 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 Bandera's water compare to other cities?
Bandera ranks #661 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 38% of state cities) and #11786 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.