Is Beckville, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41.3/100
Beckville, TX — Water Quality Report
Beckville's drinking water received a grade of F (41.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,128 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 59 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Beckville's water
Beckville ranks #981 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Beckville 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 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Beckville, TX water safe to drink?
Beckville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,128 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Beckville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Beckville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Beckville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Beckville's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Panola County has experienced 6 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 Sabine Rv Nr Beckville, Martin Lk Nr Tatum.
Where does Beckville's water come from?
Beckville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,128 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sabine Rv Nr Beckville (river), Martin Lk Nr Tatum (lake).
What Beckville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Beckville'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.
Beckville'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 Beckville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Beckville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARTIN LAKE STEAM ELECTRIC STATION & LIGNITE MINE TATUM, TX75691 | Manganese compounds | 0 | 7.8 mi |
LOUISIANA PACIFIC CORP CARTHAGE OSB PLANT CARTHAGE, TX75633 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC. - CARTHAGE TX PROCESSING PLANT CARTHAGE, TX75633 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
CARTHAGE GAS PLANT CARTHAGE, TX75633 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
EAST TEXAS GAS PLANT CARTHAGE, TX75633 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPanola County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Panola County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Beckville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.14 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.140 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Beckville compares by contaminant
Explore where Beckville ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Beckville's water comes from
Beckville'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 4,128 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Beckville
Beckville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Beckville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEADWOOD WSC | TX1830025 | 1,176 | GW |
| CITY OF BECKVILLE | TX1830002 | 1,152 | GW |
| ROCK HILL WSC | TX1830014 | 1,062 | GW |
| FAIRPLAY WSC | TX1830007 | 738 | GW |
How Beckville compares
Full Texas rankings →Beckville's score of 41.3/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Beckville, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Beckville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Panola
Frequently asked questions
Is Beckville, TX tap water safe to drink?
Beckville's water quality earned a grade of F (41.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #981 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Beckville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Beckville'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 Beckville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Beckville's water come from?
Beckville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,128 residents.
What health violations has Beckville's water system had?
Beckville has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Beckville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Beckville 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 59 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 Beckville's water compare to other cities?
Beckville ranks #981 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 8% of state cities) and #14999 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.