WaterVerge

Is Elm Mott, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX1550002
Overall Score
84.5 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#228 of 1067 in Texas Top 37% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.5/100

Elm Mott, TX — Water Quality Report

Elm Mott's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Elm Mott's water

Elm Mott ranks #228 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Elm Mott 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, Elm Mott may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Elm Mott, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Elm Mott's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Elm Mott

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elm Mott's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
HURRICANE IKE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE DEAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3277). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elm Mott's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Elm Mott's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2025 E. COLI Open
Dec 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2014 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2013 E. COLI Open

Flood & environmental risk

McLennan County has experienced 3 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 Waco Lk Nr Waco, Brazos Rv At Waco, Tehuacana Ck At Hwy 6 Nr Waco.

HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3294
HURRICANE DEAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3277
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA DR-1606

Where does Elm Mott's water come from?

Elm Mott's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Waco Lk Nr Waco (lake), Brazos Rv At Waco (river), Tehuacana Ck At Hwy 6 Nr Waco (river).

What Elm Mott residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elm Mott's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Elm Mott'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Aug 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
1 Resolved
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Aug 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2013 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

McLennan 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.

16.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2008
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

McLennan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #3294
Aug 2007
HURRICANE DEAN
Hurricane FEMA #3277
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.2 ppb from 1993 (4.2 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,100
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Elm Mott's water comes from

Groundwater

Elm Mott'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 3,100 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Elm Mott

Elm Mott is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Waco Lk Nr Waco
lake
Brazos Rv At Waco
river
Tehuacana Ck At Hwy 6 Nr Waco
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Elm Mott

System Name PWSID Population Source
MCLENNAN COUNTY WCID 2 TX1550002 3,100 GW
Regional Comparison

How Elm Mott compares

Full Texas rankings →

Elm Mott's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Elm Mott (this city)
84.5
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
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Frequently asked questions

Is Elm Mott, TX tap water safe to drink?

Elm Mott's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #228 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Elm Mott's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.

How is Elm Mott'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 Elm Mott?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Elm Mott's water come from?

Elm Mott's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 residents.

Is Elm Mott's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Elm Mott 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 5 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 Elm Mott's water compare to other cities?

Elm Mott ranks #228 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 79% of state cities) and #5855 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Elm Mott's small water system affect quality?

Elm Mott's system serves approximately 3,100 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 5 violations on record.