Is Crane, 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 ↓
76.3/100
waterverge.com Crane, TX — Water Quality Report
Crane's drinking water received a grade of B (76.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 47 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crane's water
Crane ranks #464 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Crane 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, Crane may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crane, TX water safe to drink?
Crane's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Crane
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crane's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Crane's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crane's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crane County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Crane's water come from?
Crane's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Crane residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crane'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 Crane
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Crane, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BP AMERICA PRODUCTION BLOCK 31 GAS PLANT CRANE, TX79731 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCrane County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Crane County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Crane compares by contaminant
Explore where Crane ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crane's water comes from
Crane'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 3,150 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Crane
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CRANE | TX0520001 | 3,150 | GW |
How Crane compares
Full Texas rankings →Crane's score of 76.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Crane, TX
Wikipedia →Crane is a city in and the county seat of Crane County, Texas, United States. Its population was 3,478 as of 2020. An oil boomtown since the 1920s, Crane is still in the center of a prominent oil-producing region. It is the only significant town in sparsely populated Crane County, and contains the only post office in the county.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crane's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crane
Frequently asked questions
Is Crane, TX tap water safe to drink?
Crane's water quality earned a grade of B (76.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #464 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Crane's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Crane'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 Crane?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crane's water come from?
Crane's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has Crane's water system had?
Crane has 37 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.
Is Crane's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Crane 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 47 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 Crane's water compare to other cities?
Crane ranks #464 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 57% of state cities) and #9334 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Crane's small water system affect quality?
Crane's system serves approximately 3,150 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 47 violations on record.