Is Carbon, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Carbon, TX — Water Quality Report
Carbon's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 999 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 79 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carbon's water
Carbon ranks #867 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.
As a small community water system, Carbon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carbon, TX water safe to drink?
Carbon'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 1 water system serves approximately 999 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carbon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carbon's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carbon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carbon's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eastland 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 Lk Eastland Nr Eastland.
Where does Carbon's water come from?
Carbon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 999 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Eastland Nr Eastland (lake).
What Carbon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carbon'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.
Carbon'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Carbon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carbon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 29 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EBAA IRON INC EASTLAND PLANT EASTLAND, TX76448 | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 29 | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Eastland 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Carbon compares by contaminant
Explore where Carbon ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carbon's water comes from
Carbon'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 999 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carbon
Carbon is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carbon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CARBON | TX0670015 | 999 | SWP |
How Carbon compares
Full Texas rankings →Carbon'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 Carbon, TX
Wikipedia →Carbon is a town in Eastland County, Texas, United States. The population was 281 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carbon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eastland
Frequently asked questions
Is Carbon, TX tap water safe to drink?
Carbon's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #867 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Carbon's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Carbon'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 Carbon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carbon's water come from?
Carbon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 999 residents.
What health violations has Carbon's water system had?
Carbon has 46 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carbon's water compare to other cities?
Carbon ranks #867 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 19% of state cities) and #14062 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.
Does Carbon's small water system affect quality?
Carbon's system serves approximately 999 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 79 violations on record.