Is Clarendon, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.1/100
waterverge.com Clarendon, TX — Water Quality Report
Clarendon's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 21,367 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 59 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clarendon's water
Clarendon ranks #591 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.
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 Clarendon, TX water safe to drink?
Clarendon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 21,367 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clarendon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarendon's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Clarendon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clarendon's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Donley County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Greenbelt Lk Nr Clarendon.
Where does Clarendon's water come from?
Clarendon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 21,367 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Greenbelt Lk Nr Clarendon (lake).
What Clarendon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clarendon'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDonley County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Donley County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarendon compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarendon ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarendon's water comes from
Clarendon'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 21,367 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Clarendon
Clarendon 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 Clarendon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREENBELT MIWA | TX0650013 | 19,341 | SW |
| CITY OF CLARENDON | TX0650001 | 2,026 | SWP |
How Clarendon compares
Full Texas rankings →Clarendon's score of 69.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Clarendon, TX
Wikipedia →Clarendon is a city in Donley County, Texas, United States. Its population was 1,877 at the 2020 census. The county seat of Donley County, Clarendon is located on U.S. Highway 287 in the Texas Panhandle, 60 miles (97 km) east of Amarillo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarendon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Donley
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarendon, TX tap water safe to drink?
Clarendon's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #591 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Clarendon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Clarendon'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 Clarendon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarendon's water come from?
Clarendon's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 21,367 residents.
What health violations has Clarendon's water system had?
Clarendon has 4 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Clarendon's water compare to other cities?
Clarendon ranks #591 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 45% of state cities) and #10976 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.