Is Bovina, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Bovina, TX — Water Quality Report
Bovina's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,874 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bovina's water
Bovina ranks #323 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bovina 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, Bovina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bovina, TX water safe to drink?
Bovina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,874 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bovina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bovina's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Bovina's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bovina's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Parmer 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. Local water sources include Running Water Draw At Sh 214 Nr Friona.
Where does Bovina's water come from?
Bovina's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,874 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Running Water Draw At Sh 214 Nr Friona (river).
What Bovina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bovina'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Bovina
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bovina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL SWEET BRAN FEED MANUFACTURING FACILITY - BOVINA BOVINA, TX79009 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
CARGILL MEAT SOLUTIONS CORP FRIONA, TX79035 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtParmer 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
Parmer 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bovina compares by contaminant
Explore where Bovina ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bovina's water comes from
Bovina'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 1,874 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bovina
Bovina is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bovina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOVINA MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | TX1850001 | 1,874 | GW |
How Bovina compares
Full Texas rankings →Bovina's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Bovina, TX
Wikipedia →Bovina is a city in Parmer County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bovina had a population of 1,699.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bovina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Parmer
Frequently asked questions
Is Bovina, TX tap water safe to drink?
Bovina's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #323 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Bovina's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Bovina'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 Bovina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bovina's water come from?
Bovina's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,874 residents.
Is Bovina's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bovina 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 9 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 Bovina's water compare to other cities?
Bovina ranks #323 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 70% of state cities) and #7513 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bovina's small water system affect quality?
Bovina's system serves approximately 1,874 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 9 violations on record.