Is Big Lake, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Big Lake, TX — Water Quality Report
Big Lake's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,965 residents using purchased ground water.
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 37 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Lake's water
Big Lake ranks #388 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Big Lake purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Big Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Lake, TX water safe to drink?
Big Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,965 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Big Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Lake's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Reagan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Big Lake's water come from?
Big Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,965 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Big Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Lake'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Big Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Big Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BIG LAKE PLANT BIG LAKE, TX76932 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtReagan 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
Reagan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Big Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Lake ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Lake's water comes from
Big Lake purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Big Lake's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,965 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Big Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BIG LAKE | TX1920001 | 2,965 | GWP |
| REAGAN COUNTY WSD | TX1920007 | — | GW |
How Big Lake compares
Full Texas rankings →Big Lake's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Big Lake, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Reagan
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Lake, TX tap water safe to drink?
Big Lake's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #388 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Big Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Big Lake'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 Big Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Lake's water come from?
Big Lake's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,965 residents.
What health violations has Big Lake's water system had?
Big Lake has 5 health-based violations 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Big Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big Lake 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 37 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 Big Lake's water compare to other cities?
Big Lake ranks #388 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 64% of state cities) and #8375 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.