Is Del Valle, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
58.9/100
waterverge.com Del Valle, TX — Water Quality Report
Del Valle's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,880 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 98 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Del Valle's water
Del Valle ranks #707 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Del Valle 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, Del Valle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Del Valle, TX water safe to drink?
Del Valle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,880 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Del Valle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Del Valle's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3530). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Del Valle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Del Valle's water system has 98 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Webb County has experienced 7 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 Manadas Ck At Laredo, Manadas Ck Trib At Bristol Rd Nr Laredo, Zacate Ck At Jacaman Rd, Laredo, Zacate Ck At Laredo.
Where does Del Valle's water come from?
Del Valle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,880 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manadas Ck At Laredo (river), Manadas Ck Trib At Bristol Rd Nr Laredo (river), Zacate Ck At Jacaman Rd, Laredo (river), Zacate Ck At Laredo (river).
What Del Valle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Del Valle'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.
Del Valle'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTravis 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
Webb County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Del Valle's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Del Valle compares by contaminant
Explore where Del Valle ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Del Valle's water comes from
Del Valle'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 2,880 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Del Valle
Del Valle is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Del Valle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARFIELD WSC | TX2270009 | 1,950 | GW |
| KENNEDY RIDGE WSC | TX2270308 | 930 | GWP |
How Del Valle compares
Full Texas rankings →Del Valle's score of 58.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Del Valle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Travis
Frequently asked questions
Is Del Valle, TX tap water safe to drink?
Del Valle's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #707 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Del Valle's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 98 violations are on record.
How is Del Valle'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 Del Valle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Del Valle's water come from?
Del Valle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,880 residents.
What health violations has Del Valle's water system had?
Del Valle has 3 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. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is Del Valle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Del Valle 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 98 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 Del Valle's water compare to other cities?
Del Valle ranks #707 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 34% of state cities) and #12243 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.