Is Cooper, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
waterverge.com Cooper, TX — Water Quality Report
Cooper's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,913 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 31 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cooper's water
Cooper ranks #394 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.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cooper, TX water safe to drink?
Cooper's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,913 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cooper
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cooper's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Cooper's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cooper's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delta County has experienced 2 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 Jim L. Chapman Lk Nr Cooper, S Sulphur Rv Nr Cooper, N Sulphur Rv Nr Cooper.
Where does Cooper's water come from?
Cooper's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,913 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Jim L. Chapman Lk Nr Cooper (lake), S Sulphur Rv Nr Cooper (river), N Sulphur Rv Nr Cooper (river).
What Cooper residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cooper'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 droughtDelta 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
Delta County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cooper compares by contaminant
Explore where Cooper ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cooper's water comes from
Cooper'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 4,913 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cooper
Cooper is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cooper
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELTA COUNTY MUD | TX0600018 | 2,778 | SWP |
| CITY OF COOPER | TX0600001 | 2,135 | SW |
How Cooper compares
Full Texas rankings →Cooper's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Cooper, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cooper's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delta
Frequently asked questions
Is Cooper, TX tap water safe to drink?
Cooper's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #394 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Cooper's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Cooper'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 Cooper?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cooper's water come from?
Cooper's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,913 residents.
What health violations has Cooper's water system had?
Cooper has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cooper's water compare to other cities?
Cooper ranks #394 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 63% of state cities) and #8511 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.