Is Blanco, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Blanco, TX — Water Quality Report
Blanco's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,321 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 188 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Blanco's water
Blanco ranks #859 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Blanco, TX water safe to drink?
Blanco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,321 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Blanco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Blanco's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Blanco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Blanco's water system has 188 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blanco County has experienced 2 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 Blanco Rv At Crabapple Rd Nr Blanco, Blanco Rv At Blanco, Little Blanco Rv At Fm 32 Nr Fischer.
Where does Blanco's water come from?
Blanco's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,321 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Blanco Rv At Crabapple Rd Nr Blanco (river), Blanco Rv At Blanco (river), Little Blanco Rv At Fm 32 Nr Fischer (river).
What Blanco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Blanco'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBlanco 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
Blanco County has experienced 2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Blanco compares by contaminant
Explore where Blanco ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Blanco's water comes from
Blanco's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,321 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Blanco
Blanco is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Blanco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BLANCO | TX0160002 | 3,192 | SW |
| ESCONDIDO CREEK WATER SYSTEM | TX1370034 | 129 | SWP |
How Blanco compares
Full Texas rankings →Blanco's score of 46/100 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 Blanco, TX
Wikipedia →Blanco is a city in rural Blanco County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,682 at the 2020 census. Blanco is a cattle and ranching community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Blanco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blanco
Frequently asked questions
Is Blanco, TX tap water safe to drink?
Blanco's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #859 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Blanco's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 188 violations are on record.
How is Blanco'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 Blanco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Blanco's water come from?
Blanco's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,321 residents.
What health violations has Blanco's water system had?
Blanco has 45 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. 38 violations remain unresolved.
How does Blanco's water compare to other cities?
Blanco ranks #859 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 19% of state cities) and #13986 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.