Is Bells, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76/100
waterverge.com Bells, TX — Water Quality Report
Bells's drinking water received a grade of B (76 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,936 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 16 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bells's water
Bells ranks #471 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bells 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bells, TX water safe to drink?
Bells's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,936 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bells
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bells's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane 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 Bells's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bells's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grayson 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.
Where does Bells's water come from?
Bells's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,936 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bells residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bells'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 droughtGrayson 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
Grayson 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 Bells compares by contaminant
Explore where Bells ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bells's water comes from
Bells'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 4,936 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Bells
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINK HILL WSC | TX0910034 | 2,835 | GW |
| CITY OF BELLS | TX0910001 | 2,101 | GW |
How Bells compares
Full Texas rankings →Bells's score of 76/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Bells, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bells's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grayson
Frequently asked questions
Is Bells, TX tap water safe to drink?
Bells's water quality earned a grade of B (76/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #471 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Bells's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Bells'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 Bells?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bells's water come from?
Bells's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,936 residents.
What health violations has Bells's water system had?
Bells has 3 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bells's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bells 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 16 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 Bells's water compare to other cities?
Bells ranks #471 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 56% of state cities) and #9417 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.