Is Cross Plains, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Cross Plains, TX — Water Quality Report
Cross Plains's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 926 residents using groundwater.
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 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cross Plains's water
Cross Plains ranks #293 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cross Plains 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, Cross Plains may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Cross Plains, TX water safe to drink?
Cross Plains's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 926 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cross Plains
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cross Plains's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cross Plains's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cross Plains's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Callahan 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.
Where does Cross Plains's water come from?
Cross Plains's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 926 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cross Plains residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cross Plains'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.
Cross Plains'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
Flood & disaster history
Callahan 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.
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 Cross Plains compares by contaminant
Explore where Cross Plains ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cross Plains's water comes from
Cross Plains'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 926 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cross Plains
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CROSS PLAINS | TX0300003 | 926 | GW |
How Cross Plains compares
Full Texas rankings →Cross Plains's score of 82.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Cross Plains, TX
Wikipedia →Cross Plains is a town in Callahan County, Texas, United States. The population was 899 at the 2020 census, down from 982 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cross Plains's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Callahan
Frequently asked questions
Is Cross Plains, TX tap water safe to drink?
Cross Plains's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #293 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Cross Plains's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Cross Plains'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 Cross Plains?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cross Plains's water come from?
Cross Plains's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 926 residents.
What health violations has Cross Plains's water system had?
Cross Plains has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cross Plains's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cross Plains 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 23 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 Cross Plains's water compare to other cities?
Cross Plains ranks #293 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 73% of state cities) and #7001 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cross Plains's small water system affect quality?
Cross Plains's system serves approximately 926 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.