Is Buffalo Gap, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.3/100
waterverge.com Buffalo Gap, TX — Water Quality Report
Buffalo Gap's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,502 residents using purchased surface 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 24 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buffalo Gap's water
Buffalo Gap ranks #510 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Buffalo Gap may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buffalo Gap, TX water safe to drink?
Buffalo Gap's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,502 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Buffalo Gap
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buffalo Gap's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Buffalo Gap's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buffalo Gap's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taylor 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 Lk Abilene Nr Buffalo Gap, Elm Ck At Fm 89 Nr Buffalo Gap, Kirby Lk At Abilene.
Where does Buffalo Gap's water come from?
Buffalo Gap's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,502 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Abilene Nr Buffalo Gap (lake), Elm Ck At Fm 89 Nr Buffalo Gap (river), Kirby Lk At Abilene (lake).
What Buffalo Gap residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buffalo Gap'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 Buffalo Gap
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buffalo Gap, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INGRAM CONCRETE - ABILENE 4 ABILENE, TX79602 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
PETROSMITH EQUIPMENT LP ABILENE, TX79606 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTaylor 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
Taylor 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 Buffalo Gap compares by contaminant
Explore where Buffalo Gap ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buffalo Gap's water comes from
Buffalo Gap'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 1,502 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Buffalo Gap
Buffalo Gap 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 Buffalo Gap
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BUFFALO GAP | TX2210003 | 1,502 | SWP |
How Buffalo Gap compares
Full Texas rankings →Buffalo Gap's score of 74.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Buffalo Gap, TX
Wikipedia →Buffalo Gap is a town in Taylor County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 543 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buffalo Gap's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taylor
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo Gap, TX tap water safe to drink?
Buffalo Gap's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #510 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Buffalo Gap's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Buffalo Gap'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 Buffalo Gap?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buffalo Gap's water come from?
Buffalo Gap's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,502 residents.
What health violations has Buffalo Gap's water system had?
Buffalo Gap has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Buffalo Gap's water compare to other cities?
Buffalo Gap ranks #510 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 52% of state cities) and #9890 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buffalo Gap's small water system affect quality?
Buffalo Gap's system serves approximately 1,502 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 24 violations on record.