Is Ferris, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but NDMA was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.5/100
waterverge.com Ferris, TX — Water Quality Report
Ferris's drinking water received a grade of B (75.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,070 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 56 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ferris's water
Ferris ranks #485 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Ferris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ferris, TX water safe to drink?
Ferris's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,070 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ferris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ferris's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ferris's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ferris's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ellis 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 Tenmile Ck At Parkinson Rd Nr Ferris, Cottonwood Ck At E Beltline Rd Nr Wilmer, Red Oak Ck At Fm 813 Nr Palmer.
Where does Ferris's water come from?
Ferris's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,070 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tenmile Ck At Parkinson Rd Nr Ferris (river), Cottonwood Ck At E Beltline Rd Nr Wilmer (river), Red Oak Ck At Fm 813 Nr Palmer (river).
What Ferris residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ferris'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ferris'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 Ferris
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ferris, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAXAHACHIE PLANT WAXAHACHIE, TX75165 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.2 mi |
BRENNTAG SOUTHWEST INC LANC ASTER LANCASTER, TX75134 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
SIKA CORP LANCASTER, TX75134 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
AQUATIC CO LANCASTER, TX75134 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
BRASSCRAFT LANCASTER LANCASTER, TX75146 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtEllis 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
Ellis 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ferris compares by contaminant
Explore where Ferris ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ferris's water comes from
Ferris'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 3,070 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ferris
Ferris is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ferris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF FERRIS | TX0700002 | 3,070 | SWP |
How Ferris compares
Full Texas rankings →Ferris's score of 75.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Ferris, TX
Wikipedia →Ferris is a city in Dallas and Ellis counties in the U.S. state of Texas. It is 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Dallas. The population has dramatically flipped from 2,788 in 2020 to 5,081 in 2024.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ferris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ellis
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferris, TX tap water safe to drink?
Ferris's water quality earned a grade of B (75.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #485 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Ferris's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Ferris'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 Ferris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ferris's water come from?
Ferris's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,070 residents.
What health violations has Ferris's water system had?
Ferris has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ferris's water compare to other cities?
Ferris ranks #485 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 55% of state cities) and #9563 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ferris's small water system affect quality?
Ferris's system serves approximately 3,070 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 56 violations on record.