Is Big Wells, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Big Wells, TX — Water Quality Report
Big Wells's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 870 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Wells's water
Big Wells ranks #96 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Big Wells 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, Big Wells may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Wells, TX water safe to drink?
Big Wells's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 870 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Wells
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Wells's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3530). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Wells's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Wells's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dimmit 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 Nueces Rv Nr Asherton.
Where does Big Wells's water come from?
Big Wells's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 870 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nueces Rv Nr Asherton (river).
What Big Wells residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Wells'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.
Big Wells'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 droughtDimmit 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
Dimmit 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Big Wells compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Wells ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Wells's water comes from
Big Wells'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 870 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Big Wells
Big Wells is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Big Wells
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BIG WELLS | TX0640012 | 870 | GW |
How Big Wells compares
Full Texas rankings →Big Wells's score of 88/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Big Wells, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Wells's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dimmit
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Wells, TX tap water safe to drink?
Big Wells's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Big Wells's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Big Wells'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 Wells?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Wells's water come from?
Big Wells's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 870 residents.
Is Big Wells's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big Wells 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 Big Wells's water compare to other cities?
Big Wells ranks #96 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 91% of state cities) and #3729 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Big Wells's small water system affect quality?
Big Wells's system serves approximately 870 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 20 violations on record.