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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elm Mott, TX water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Elm Mott
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elm Mott's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elm Mott'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMcLennan 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 Elm Mott compares by contaminant
Explore where Elm Mott ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elm Mott's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Elm Mott
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCLENNAN COUNTY WCID 2 | TX1550002 | 3,100 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elm Mott's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclennan
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.