Is Briarcliff, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Briarcliff, TX — Water Quality Report
Briarcliff's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,438 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 13 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Briarcliff's water
Briarcliff ranks #115 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Briarcliff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Briarcliff, TX water safe to drink?
Briarcliff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,438 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Briarcliff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Briarcliff's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Briarcliff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Briarcliff's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Travis County has experienced 9 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 Lcra Lk Travis Nr Austin, Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill.
Where does Briarcliff's water come from?
Briarcliff's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,438 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lcra Lk Travis Nr Austin (lake), Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill (river).
What Briarcliff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Briarcliff'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.
Briarcliff'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 droughtTravis 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
Travis County has experienced 9 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Briarcliff compares by contaminant
Explore where Briarcliff ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Briarcliff's water comes from
Briarcliff'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 1,438 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Briarcliff
Briarcliff is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Briarcliff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF | TX2270007 | 1,438 | SW |
How Briarcliff compares
Full Texas rankings →Briarcliff's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Briarcliff, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Briarcliff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Travis
Frequently asked questions
Is Briarcliff, TX tap water safe to drink?
Briarcliff's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Briarcliff's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Briarcliff'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 Briarcliff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Briarcliff's water come from?
Briarcliff's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,438 residents.
What health violations has Briarcliff's water system had?
Briarcliff has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Briarcliff's water compare to other cities?
Briarcliff ranks #115 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 89% of state cities) and #4027 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Briarcliff's small water system affect quality?
Briarcliff's system serves approximately 1,438 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 13 violations on record.