Is Bardwell, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.8/100
waterverge.com Bardwell, TX — Water Quality Report
Bardwell's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 747 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 106 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bardwell's water
Bardwell ranks #562 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bardwell 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, Bardwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bardwell, TX water safe to drink?
Bardwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 747 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bardwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bardwell's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bardwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bardwell's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ellis 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. Local water sources include Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon, Lk Waxahachie Nr Waxahachie, Bardwell Lk Nr Ennis, Waxahachie Ck Nr Bardwell.
Where does Bardwell's water come from?
Bardwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 747 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon (river), Lk Waxahachie Nr Waxahachie (lake), Bardwell Lk Nr Ennis (lake), Waxahachie Ck Nr Bardwell (river).
What Bardwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bardwell'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.
Bardwell'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bardwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bardwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GS II INC. ENNIS, TX75119 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
SCHIRM USA INC. ENNIS, TX75119 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
THE PRAXIS COS LLC ENNIS, TX75119 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
ELK CO OF TEXAS LLC ENNIS, TX75119 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
TAMKO BUILDING PRODUCTS LLC ENNIS, TX75119 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtEllis 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
Ellis 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 Bardwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Bardwell ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bardwell's water comes from
Bardwell'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 747 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bardwell
Bardwell is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bardwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BARDWELL | TX0700020 | 747 | GW |
How Bardwell compares
Full Texas rankings →Bardwell's score of 70.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Bardwell, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bardwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ellis
Frequently asked questions
Is Bardwell, TX tap water safe to drink?
Bardwell's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #562 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Bardwell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Bardwell'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 Bardwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bardwell's water come from?
Bardwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 747 residents.
What health violations has Bardwell's water system had?
Bardwell has 31 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bardwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bardwell 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 106 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 Bardwell's water compare to other cities?
Bardwell ranks #562 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 47% of state cities) and #10682 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bardwell's small water system affect quality?
Bardwell's system serves approximately 747 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 106 violations on record.