Is Fentress, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Fentress, TX — Water Quality Report
Fentress's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,698 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 55 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fentress's water
Fentress ranks #263 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fentress 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, Fentress may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fentress, TX water safe to drink?
Fentress's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,698 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fentress
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fentress's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4332). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fentress's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fentress's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Caldwell County has experienced 4 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 Blanco Rv At San Marcos, San Marcos Rv Nr Martindale, San Marcos Rv At Luling.
Where does Fentress's water come from?
Fentress's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,698 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blanco Rv At San Marcos (river), San Marcos Rv Nr Martindale (river), San Marcos Rv At Luling (river).
What Fentress residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fentress'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.
Fentress'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 droughtCaldwell 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
Caldwell County has experienced 4 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fentress compares by contaminant
Explore where Fentress ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fentress's water comes from
Fentress'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 1,698 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fentress
Fentress is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fentress
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRI COMMUNITY WSC | TX0280012 | 1,698 | GU |
How Fentress compares
Full Texas rankings →Fentress's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Fentress, TX
Wikipedia →Fentress is an unincorporated community in Caldwell County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 291 in 2000. The community is part of the Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fentress's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell
Frequently asked questions
Is Fentress, TX tap water safe to drink?
Fentress's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #263 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Fentress's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Fentress'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 Fentress?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fentress's water come from?
Fentress's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,698 residents.
What health violations has Fentress's water system had?
Fentress has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fentress's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fentress 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 55 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 Fentress's water compare to other cities?
Fentress ranks #263 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 75% of state cities) and #6334 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fentress's small water system affect quality?
Fentress's system serves approximately 1,698 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 55 violations on record.