Is Cottonwood Shores, 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 ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Cottonwood Shores, TX — Water Quality Report
Cottonwood Shores's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,157 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 30 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cottonwood Shores's water
Cottonwood Shores ranks #303 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, Cottonwood Shores may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cottonwood Shores, TX water safe to drink?
Cottonwood Shores's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,157 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cottonwood Shores
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cottonwood Shores's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cottonwood Shores's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cottonwood Shores's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burnet County has experienced 3 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 Sandy Ck Nr Kingsland, Lcra Lk Lbj Nr Marble Falls, Lcra Lk Marble Falls Nr Marble Falls.
Where does Cottonwood Shores's water come from?
Cottonwood Shores's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,157 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sandy Ck Nr Kingsland (river), Lcra Lk Lbj Nr Marble Falls (lake), Lcra Lk Marble Falls Nr Marble Falls (lake).
What Cottonwood Shores residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cottonwood Shores'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.
Cottonwood Shores'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 Cottonwood Shores
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cottonwood Shores, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LHOIST NORTH AMERICA OF TEXAS, LTD MARBLE FALLS PLANT MARBLE FALLS, TX78654 | Lead compounds | 1 | 8.0 mi |
IPC FOUNDRY GOUP MARBLE FALLS, TX78654 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
ASPHALT INC. SPICEWOOD SPICEWOOD, TX78669 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBurnet 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
Burnet County has experienced 3 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cottonwood Shores compares by contaminant
Explore where Cottonwood Shores ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cottonwood Shores's water comes from
Cottonwood Shores'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 2,157 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cottonwood Shores
Cottonwood Shores 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 Cottonwood Shores
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF COTTONWOOD SHORES | TX0270013 | 2,157 | SW |
How Cottonwood Shores compares
Full Texas rankings →Cottonwood Shores's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Cottonwood Shores, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cottonwood Shores's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burnet
Frequently asked questions
Is Cottonwood Shores, TX tap water safe to drink?
Cottonwood Shores's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #303 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Cottonwood Shores's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Cottonwood Shores'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 Cottonwood Shores?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cottonwood Shores's water come from?
Cottonwood Shores's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,157 residents.
What health violations has Cottonwood Shores's water system had?
Cottonwood Shores has 12 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cottonwood Shores's water compare to other cities?
Cottonwood Shores ranks #303 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 72% of state cities) and #7253 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cottonwood Shores's small water system affect quality?
Cottonwood Shores's system serves approximately 2,157 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 30 violations on record.