Is Cisco, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.3/100
Cisco, TX — Water Quality Report
Cisco's drinking water received a grade of C (62.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,069 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.7 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 78 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cisco's water
Cisco ranks #676 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Cisco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cisco, TX water safe to drink?
Cisco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,069 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cisco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cisco's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Cisco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cisco's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 6 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 Cisco Nr Cisco, Lk Eastland Nr Eastland.
Where does Cisco's water come from?
Cisco's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,069 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Cisco Nr Cisco (lake), Lk Eastland Nr Eastland (lake).
What Cisco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cisco'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.
Cisco'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cisco's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 3.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.52 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.520 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cisco compares by contaminant
Explore where Cisco ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cisco's water comes from
Cisco'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 3,069 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cisco
Cisco is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cisco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTBOUND WSC | TX0670027 | 3,069 | SWP |
How Cisco compares
Full Texas rankings →Cisco's score of 62.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Cisco, TX
Wikipedia →Cisco is a city in Eastland County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,883 at the 2020 census, and 3,899 at the time of the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cisco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eastland
Frequently asked questions
Is Cisco, TX tap water safe to drink?
Cisco's water quality earned a grade of C (62.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #676 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Cisco's water?
Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is Cisco'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 Cisco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cisco's water come from?
Cisco's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,069 residents.
What health violations has Cisco's water system had?
Cisco has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cisco's water compare to other cities?
Cisco ranks #676 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 37% of state cities) and #11893 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cisco's small water system affect quality?
Cisco's system serves approximately 3,069 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 78 violations on record.