Is Dekalb, 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 ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Dekalb, TX — Water Quality Report
Dekalb's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,511 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 27 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dekalb's water
Dekalb ranks #401 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, Dekalb may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dekalb, TX water safe to drink?
Dekalb's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,511 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dekalb
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dekalb's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dekalb's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dekalb's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Dekalb's water come from?
Dekalb's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,511 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Dekalb residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dekalb'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 droughtBowie 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.
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 Dekalb compares by contaminant
Explore where Dekalb ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dekalb's water comes from
Dekalb'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 1,511 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dekalb
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF DEKALB | TX0190001 | 1,511 | SWP |
How Dekalb compares
Full Texas rankings →Dekalb's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dekalb's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bowie
Frequently asked questions
Is Dekalb, TX tap water safe to drink?
Dekalb's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #401 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Dekalb's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Dekalb'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 Dekalb?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dekalb's water come from?
Dekalb's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,511 residents.
What health violations has Dekalb's water system had?
Dekalb has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dekalb's water compare to other cities?
Dekalb ranks #401 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 62% of state cities) and #8605 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dekalb's small water system affect quality?
Dekalb's system serves approximately 1,511 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 27 violations on record.