Is Combes, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Combes, TX — Water Quality Report
Combes's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,895 residents using purchased surface water.
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 23 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Combes's water
Combes ranks #434 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Combes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Combes, TX water safe to drink?
Combes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,895 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Combes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Combes's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4871). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Combes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Combes's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cameron County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Combes's water come from?
Combes's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,895 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Combes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Combes'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.
Combes'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 Combes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Combes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
ASPHALT PRODUCTS INC. HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
PENN ALUMINUM HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
TITAN FUEL TERMINALS HARLINGEN LLC HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
TITAN FUEL TERMINALS HARLINGEN LLC HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCameron 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
Cameron County has experienced 10 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 Combes compares by contaminant
Explore where Combes ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Combes's water comes from
Combes'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 2,895 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Combes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF COMBES | TX0310021 | 2,895 | SWP |
How Combes compares
Full Texas rankings →Combes's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Combes, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Combes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cameron
Frequently asked questions
Is Combes, TX tap water safe to drink?
Combes's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #434 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Combes's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Combes'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 Combes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Combes's water come from?
Combes's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,895 residents.
What health violations has Combes's water system had?
Combes has 5 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Combes's water compare to other cities?
Combes ranks #434 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 59% of state cities) and #9037 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Combes's small water system affect quality?
Combes's system serves approximately 2,895 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 23 violations on record.