Is Carlsbad, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.8/100
waterverge.com Carlsbad, TX — Water Quality Report
Carlsbad's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,590 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 35 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carlsbad's water
Carlsbad ranks #549 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Carlsbad 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, Carlsbad may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlsbad, TX water safe to drink?
Carlsbad's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,590 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carlsbad
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlsbad's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carlsbad's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carlsbad's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tom Green County has experienced 4 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 N Concho Rv Nr Carlsbad, N Concho Rv Nr Grape Creek.
Where does Carlsbad's water come from?
Carlsbad's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,590 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N Concho Rv Nr Carlsbad (river), N Concho Rv Nr Grape Creek (river).
What Carlsbad residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carlsbad'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.
Carlsbad'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 Carlsbad
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carlsbad, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LONG INDUSTRIES CARLSBAD FACILITY CARLSBAD, TX76934 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tom Green County has experienced 4 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carlsbad compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlsbad ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlsbad's water comes from
Carlsbad'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,590 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Carlsbad
Carlsbad is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carlsbad
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHSC SAN ANGELO STATE SUPPORTED LIVING C | TX2260002 | 900 | GU |
| TOM GREEN COUNTY FWSD 1 CARLSBAD | TX2260003 | 690 | GW |
How Carlsbad compares
Full Texas rankings →Carlsbad's score of 71.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Carlsbad, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlsbad's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tom Green
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlsbad, TX tap water safe to drink?
Carlsbad's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #549 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Carlsbad's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Carlsbad'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 Carlsbad?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlsbad's water come from?
Carlsbad's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,590 residents.
What health violations has Carlsbad's water system had?
Carlsbad has 1 health-based violation 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carlsbad's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carlsbad 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 35 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 Carlsbad's water compare to other cities?
Carlsbad ranks #549 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 49% of state cities) and #10486 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.