Is Chico, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 124 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Chico, TX — Water Quality Report
Chico's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,956 residents using groundwater.
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 264 violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 124 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chico's water
Chico ranks #894 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chico 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, Chico may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 123 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chico, TX water safe to drink?
Chico's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,956 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chico
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chico's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Chico's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chico's water system has 264 total violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 124 remain unresolved. 123 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wise County has experienced 2 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 Big Ck Nr Chico, Bridgeport Res Abv Bridgeport, Big Sandy Ck Nr Bridgeport.
Where does Chico's water come from?
Chico's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,956 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Ck Nr Chico (river), Bridgeport Res Abv Bridgeport (lake), Big Sandy Ck Nr Bridgeport (river).
What Chico residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chico'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 Chico
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chico, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRISP INDUSTRIES LLC BRIDGEPORT, TX76426 | Manganese | 5 | 5.1 mi |
BRIDGEPORT GAS PROCESSING PLANT BRIDGEPORT, TX76426 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
CHICO PLANT CHICO, TX76431 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wise County has experienced 2 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chico compares by contaminant
Explore where Chico ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chico's water comes from
Chico'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 1,956 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Chico
Chico is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chico
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CHICO | TX2490004 | 1,596 | GW |
| GRAND HARBOR WSC | TX2490070 | 360 | SWP |
How Chico compares
Full Texas rankings →Chico's score of 45/100 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 Chico, TX
Wikipedia →Chico is a town in Wise County, Texas, United States. The population was 946 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chico's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wise
Frequently asked questions
Is Chico, TX tap water safe to drink?
Chico's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #894 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Chico's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 264 violations are on record.
How is Chico'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 Chico?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chico's water come from?
Chico's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,956 residents.
What health violations has Chico's water system had?
Chico has 65 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 124 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chico's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chico 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 264 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 Chico's water compare to other cities?
Chico ranks #894 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 16% of state cities) and #14283 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.