Is Ben Wheeler, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Ben Wheeler, TX — Water Quality Report
Ben Wheeler's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,204 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 20 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ben Wheeler's water
Ben Wheeler ranks #535 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ben Wheeler 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 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ben Wheeler, TX water safe to drink?
Ben Wheeler's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,204 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ben Wheeler
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ben Wheeler's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4269). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ben Wheeler'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
Ben Wheeler's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Van Zandt 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.
Where does Ben Wheeler's water come from?
Ben Wheeler's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,204 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ben Wheeler residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ben Wheeler'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.
Ben Wheeler'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtVan Zandt County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Van Zandt 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ben Wheeler'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.89 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.890 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Ben Wheeler compares by contaminant
Explore where Ben Wheeler ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ben Wheeler's water comes from
Ben Wheeler'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 6,204 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ben Wheeler
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEN WHEELER WSC | TX2340006 | 3,324 | GW |
| R P M WSC | TX2340016 | 2,880 | GW |
How Ben Wheeler compares
Full Texas rankings →Ben Wheeler's score of 72.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Ben Wheeler, TX
Wikipedia →Ben Wheeler is an unincorporated community and census designated place (CDP) in Van Zandt County, Texas, United States. It lies twelve miles southeast of Canton.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ben Wheeler's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Zandt
Frequently asked questions
Is Ben Wheeler, TX tap water safe to drink?
Ben Wheeler's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #535 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Ben Wheeler's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Ben Wheeler'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 Ben Wheeler?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ben Wheeler's water come from?
Ben Wheeler's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,204 residents.
What health violations has Ben Wheeler's water system had?
Ben Wheeler has 1 health-based violation 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ben Wheeler's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ben Wheeler 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 20 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 Ben Wheeler's water compare to other cities?
Ben Wheeler ranks #535 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 50% of state cities) and #10265 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.