Is Barstow, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 42 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61/100
waterverge.com Barstow, TX — Water Quality Report
Barstow's drinking water received a grade of C (61 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 67 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barstow's water
Barstow ranks #690 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Barstow purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Barstow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barstow, TX water safe to drink?
Barstow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Barstow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barstow's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barstow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Barstow's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ward County has experienced 5 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 Pecos Rv At Fm 3398 Nr Pecos.
Where does Barstow's water come from?
Barstow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecos Rv At Fm 3398 Nr Pecos (river).
What Barstow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barstow'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.
Barstow'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 Barstow
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Barstow, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BONE SPRINGS GAS PLANT BARSTOW, TX79719 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
MI VIDA TREATER PLANT BARSTOW, TX79719 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
PECOS BEND GAS PROCESSING PLANT PECOS, TX79772 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
SUN COAST RESOURCES LLC PECOS, TX79772 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWard 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
Ward County has experienced 5 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Barstow compares by contaminant
Explore where Barstow ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barstow's water comes from
Barstow purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Barstow's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Barstow
Barstow is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Barstow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BARSTOW | TX2380006 | 750 | GWP |
How Barstow compares
Full Texas rankings →Barstow's score of 61/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barstow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ward
Frequently asked questions
Is Barstow, TX tap water safe to drink?
Barstow's water quality earned a grade of C (61/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #690 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Barstow's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Barstow'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 Barstow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barstow's water come from?
Barstow's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Barstow's water system had?
Barstow has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 42 violations remain unresolved.
Is Barstow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Barstow 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 67 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 Barstow's water compare to other cities?
Barstow ranks #690 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 35% of state cities) and #12030 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Barstow's small water system affect quality?
Barstow's system serves approximately 750 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 67 violations on record.