Is Bertram, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Bertram, TX — Water Quality Report
Bertram's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,665 residents using groundwater.
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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bertram's water
Bertram ranks #197 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bertram 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 Bertram, TX water safe to drink?
Bertram's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,665 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bertram
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bertram's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Bertram's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bertram's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burnet 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. Local water sources include N Fk San Gabriel Rv At Fm 243 Nr Briggs, S Fk San Gabriel Rv At Sh 1869 Nr Liberty Hill.
Where does Bertram's water come from?
Bertram's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N Fk San Gabriel Rv At Fm 243 Nr Briggs (river), S Fk San Gabriel Rv At Sh 1869 Nr Liberty Hill (river).
What Bertram residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bertram'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.
Bertram'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 Bertram
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bertram, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SURE CAST INC BURNET, TX78611 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ENTEGRIS INC BURNET, TX78611 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bertram
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MAIN STREET GROUND WATER PLUME9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBurnet 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
Burnet 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bertram compares by contaminant
Explore where Bertram ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bertram's water comes from
Bertram'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 3,665 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bertram
Bertram is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bertram
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BERTRAM | TX0270012 | 3,636 | GW |
| COUNTY COTTAGE LINES | TX2460178 | 29 | GW |
How Bertram compares
Full Texas rankings →Bertram's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Bertram, TX
Wikipedia →Bertram is a city in Burnet County, Texas, United States. Its population was 2,020 in the 2024 estimate, up from 1,616 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bertram's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burnet
Frequently asked questions
Is Bertram, TX tap water safe to drink?
Bertram's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #197 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Bertram's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Bertram'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 Bertram?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bertram's water come from?
Bertram's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,665 residents.
Is Bertram's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bertram 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 8 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 Bertram's water compare to other cities?
Bertram ranks #197 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 82% of state cities) and #5447 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.