Is Benavides, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 99 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Benavides, TX — Water Quality Report
Benavides's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,645 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 283 violations on record, including 160 health-based violations. 99 remain unresolved.
What to know about Benavides's water
Benavides ranks #826 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Benavides 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, Benavides may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 65 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Benavides, TX water safe to drink?
Benavides's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,645 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Benavides
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Benavides's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3530). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3313). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Benavides's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Benavides's water system has 283 total violations on record, including 160 health-based violations. 99 remain unresolved. 65 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Duval County has experienced 3 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 Benavides's water come from?
Benavides's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,645 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Benavides residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Benavides'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.
Benavides'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
D4 — exceptional droughtDuval County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Duval County has experienced 3 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 Benavides compares by contaminant
Explore where Benavides ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Benavides's water comes from
Benavides'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 2,645 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Benavides
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUVAL COUNTY CRD BENAVIDES | TX0660001 | 2,285 | GW |
| DUVAL COUNTY CRD REALITOS | TX0660014 | 200 | GW |
| DUVAL COUNTY CRD CONCEPCION | TX0660015 | 160 | GW |
How Benavides compares
Full Texas rankings →Benavides's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Benavides, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Benavides's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Duval
Frequently asked questions
Is Benavides, TX tap water safe to drink?
Benavides's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #826 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Benavides's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 283 violations are on record.
How is Benavides'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 Benavides?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Benavides's water come from?
Benavides's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,645 residents.
What health violations has Benavides's water system had?
Benavides has 160 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 99 violations remain unresolved.
Is Benavides's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Benavides 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 283 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 Benavides's water compare to other cities?
Benavides ranks #826 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 23% of state cities) and #13733 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.