Is China, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com China, TX — Water Quality Report
China's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,280 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 28 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about China's water
China ranks #83 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
China 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, China may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is China, TX water safe to drink?
China's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,280 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for China
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into China's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4572). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for China's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
China's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Pine Island Bayou Nr Sour Lake, Pine Island Bayou Abv Bi Pump Plant, Beaumont, Green Pond Gully At Fm 365 Nr China, Willow Marsh Bayou At Us 90 Nr Beaumont.
Where does China's water come from?
China's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,280 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pine Island Bayou Nr Sour Lake (river), Pine Island Bayou Abv Bi Pump Plant, Beaumont (stream), Green Pond Gully At Fm 365 Nr China (river), Willow Marsh Bayou At Us 90 Nr Beaumont (river).
What China residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in China'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.
China'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 China
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near China, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,237 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOBIL CHEMICAL CO BEAUMONT POLYETHYLENE PLANT BEAUMONT, TX77713 | Zinc compounds | 1,150 | 6.6 mi |
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-BEAUMONT BEAUMONT, TX77705 | Zinc compounds | 87 | 9.0 mi |
VEOLIA WATER TECHNOLOGIES & SOLUTIONS INC. - BEAUMONT BEAUMONT, TX77713 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
COASTAL CHEMICAL CO. LLC BEAUMONT, TX77705 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
DRAGON WESPINE FACILITY BEAUMONT, TX77713 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJefferson County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Jefferson County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 China compares by contaminant
Explore where China ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where China's water comes from
China'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 1,280 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near China
China is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving China
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CHINA | TX1230038 | 1,280 | GW |
How China compares
Full Texas rankings →China's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About China, TX
Wikipedia →China is a city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,260 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to China's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is China, TX tap water safe to drink?
China's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in China's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is China'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 China?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does China's water come from?
China's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,280 residents.
What health violations has China's water system had?
China has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is China's groundwater at risk of contamination?
China 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 28 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 China's water compare to other cities?
China ranks #83 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 92% of state cities) and #3598 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does China's small water system affect quality?
China's system serves approximately 1,280 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 28 violations on record.