Is Elmo, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.7/100
waterverge.com Elmo, TX — Water Quality Report
Elmo's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,475 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 38 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elmo's water
Elmo ranks #550 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, Elmo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elmo, TX water safe to drink?
Elmo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,475 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elmo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elmo's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elmo'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
Elmo's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kaufman 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 New Terrell City Lk Nr Terrell.
Where does Elmo's water come from?
Elmo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,475 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include New Terrell City Lk Nr Terrell (lake).
What Elmo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elmo'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.
Elmo'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 Elmo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elmo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONECSUS LLC TERRELL, TX75160 | Arsenic compounds | 0 | 9.5 mi |
TXI-WILLS POINT READY MIX WILLS POINT, TX75169 | Lead compounds | 0 | 9.1 mi |
FXI INC. - TERRELL TERRELL, TX75160 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
POWERLAB INC. TERRELL, TX75160 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
OLDCASTLE BUILDING ENVELOPE - TEXAS FACILITY TERRELL, TX75160 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Elmo
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- VAN DER HORST USA CORPORATION7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtKaufman 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
Kaufman 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Elmo'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.373 mg/L (2017)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Elmo compares by contaminant
Explore where Elmo ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elmo's water comes from
Elmo'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 2,475 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elmo
Elmo is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Elmo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELMO WSC | TX1290013 | 2,475 | SWP |
How Elmo compares
Full Texas rankings →Elmo's score of 71.7/100 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 Elmo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kaufman
Frequently asked questions
Is Elmo, TX tap water safe to drink?
Elmo's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #550 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Elmo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Elmo'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 Elmo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elmo's water come from?
Elmo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,475 residents.
What health violations has Elmo's water system had?
Elmo has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elmo's water compare to other cities?
Elmo ranks #550 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 48% of state cities) and #10504 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elmo's small water system affect quality?
Elmo's system serves approximately 2,475 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 38 violations on record.