Is Driscoll, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.1/100
waterverge.com Driscoll, TX — Water Quality Report
Driscoll's drinking water received a grade of C (61.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 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 69 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Driscoll's water
Driscoll ranks #688 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Driscoll may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Driscoll, TX water safe to drink?
Driscoll's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Driscoll
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Driscoll's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Driscoll's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Driscoll's water system has 69 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nueces County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. 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 Tranquitas Ck At Kingsville, Petronila Ck At Fm 665 Nr Driscoll.
Where does Driscoll's water come from?
Driscoll's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 680 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tranquitas Ck At Kingsville (river), Petronila Ck At Fm 665 Nr Driscoll (river).
What Driscoll residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Driscoll'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.
Driscoll'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 Driscoll
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Driscoll, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 835 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TICONA POLYMERS INC BISHOP, TX78343 | Formaldehyde | 517 | 8.5 mi |
US ECOLOGY TEXAS INC ROBSTOWN, TX78380 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 318 | 7.2 mi |
OXEA BISHOP LLC BISHOP, TX78343 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
BASF CORP BISHOP, TX78343 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNueces 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
Nueces County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. 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 Driscoll compares by contaminant
Explore where Driscoll ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Driscoll's water comes from
Driscoll'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 680 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Driscoll
Driscoll is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Driscoll
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF DRISCOLL | TX1780012 | 680 | SWP |
How Driscoll compares
Full Texas rankings →Driscoll's score of 61.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Driscoll, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Driscoll's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nueces
Frequently asked questions
Is Driscoll, TX tap water safe to drink?
Driscoll's water quality earned a grade of C (61.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #688 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Driscoll's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 69 violations are on record.
How is Driscoll'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 Driscoll?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Driscoll's water come from?
Driscoll's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 680 residents.
What health violations has Driscoll's water system had?
Driscoll has 3 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. 33 violations remain unresolved.
How does Driscoll's water compare to other cities?
Driscoll ranks #688 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 36% of state cities) and #12017 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Driscoll's small water system affect quality?
Driscoll's system serves approximately 680 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 69 violations on record.