Is Columbus, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.1/100
waterverge.com Columbus, TX — Water Quality Report
Columbus's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 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 80 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbus's water
Columbus ranks #621 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Columbus 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, Columbus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbus, TX water safe to drink?
Columbus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbus's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Columbus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Columbus's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Columbus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbus'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 Columbus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TITAN PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT LLC ALLEYTON, TX78935 | Manganese compounds | 3 | 8.6 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - COLUMBUS INC. COLUMBUS, TX78934 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
BEST BLOCK ALLEYTON PLANT ALLEYTON, TX78935 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
QUIKRETE - SAND EXPRESS PLANT COLUMBUS, TX78934 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Columbus compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbus ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbus's water comes from
Columbus'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 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Columbus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS WATER SYSTEM | NM3523016 | 2,200 | GW |
How Columbus compares
Full Texas rankings →Columbus's score of 67.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Luna
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus, TX tap water safe to drink?
Columbus's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #621 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Columbus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Columbus'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 Columbus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
What health violations has Columbus's water system had?
Columbus has 46 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbus 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 80 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 Columbus's water compare to other cities?
Columbus ranks #621 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 42% of state cities) and #11275 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Columbus's small water system affect quality?
Columbus's system serves approximately 2,200 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 80 violations on record.