WaterVerge

Is Como, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

5K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: TX1120015
Overall Score
80.2 / 100
Violations
12 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#354 of 1067 in Texas Top 51% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.2/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.2/100

Como, TX — Water Quality Report

Como's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,797 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 33 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Como's water

Como ranks #354 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Como 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.2 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.9/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17.2/20
B
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Como, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Como's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,797 residents using groundwater (wells).

12
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Como

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Como's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
18 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, Cadmium, Chromium.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Como's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 25.2000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Como's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2022 Public Notice Open
Jan 2022 Cadmium Resolved
Jan 2022 Chromium Resolved
Jan 2022 Barium Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hopkins County has experienced 4 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 Sulphur Spgs Nr Sulphur Springs.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4416
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3294

Where does Como's water come from?

Como's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,797 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lk Sulphur Spgs Nr Sulphur Springs (lake).

What Como residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Como's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Como'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
25.2000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.03 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 0% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
291.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 19% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
0.34 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 2% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
25.2 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 42% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

33
Total violations
1
Health-based
12
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

33 Total
12 Active
1 Health-based
21 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
9
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
7
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Mar 2018 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2013 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2022 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Aldicarb sulfone
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2022 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 33 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Como

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Como, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CLAYTON SULPHUR SPRINGS
Wood Products · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX75482
9.9 mi
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC.
Food · SAPUTO INC
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX75482
8.4 mi
ARMOROCK LLC
Plastics and Rubber · ARMOROCK LLC
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX75482
9.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Hopkins 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
May 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Hopkins County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Feb 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4416
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #3294
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Como's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 25.200 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.9 ppb from 1993 (7.9 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
4,797
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Como's water comes from

Groundwater

Como'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 4,797 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Como

Como is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Lk Sulphur Spgs Nr Sulphur Springs
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Como

System Name PWSID Population Source
MARTIN SPRINGS WSC TX1120015 4,095 GW
CITY OF COMO TX1120012 702 GW
Regional Comparison

How Como compares

Full Texas rankings →

Como's score of 80.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Como (this city)
80.2
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Como, TX

Wikipedia →

Como is a town in Hopkins County, Texas, United States. The population was 728 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$63,250
Median Income
$131,176
Median Home Value
$883/mo
Median Rent
6.8%
Unemployment
Community
29.7
Median Age
196
People / sq mi
5%
College Educated
58.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Como, TX tap water safe to drink?

Como's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #354 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Como's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 33 violations are on record.

How is Como'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 Como?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Como's water come from?

Como's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,797 residents.

What health violations has Como's water system had?

Como has 1 health-based violation 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.

Is Como's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Como 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 33 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 Como's water compare to other cities?

Como ranks #354 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 67% of state cities) and #7964 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.