Is Forreston, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Forreston, TX — Water Quality Report
Forreston's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,277 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 14 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Forreston's water
Forreston ranks #59 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Forreston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Forreston, TX water safe to drink?
Forreston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,277 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Forreston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forreston's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forreston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Forreston's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
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 Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon, Waxahachie Ck At Waxahachie, Lk Waxahachie Nr Waxahachie.
Where does Forreston's water come from?
Forreston's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,277 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon (river), Waxahachie Ck At Waxahachie (river), Lk Waxahachie Nr Waxahachie (lake).
What Forreston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Forreston'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.
Forreston'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 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Forreston compares by contaminant
Explore where Forreston ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Forreston's water comes from
Forreston'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 2,277 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Forreston
Forreston 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 Forreston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASH FORRESTON WSC | TX0700025 | 2,277 | SWP |
How Forreston compares
Full Texas rankings →Forreston's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Forreston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ellis
Frequently asked questions
Is Forreston, TX tap water safe to drink?
Forreston's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Forreston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Forreston'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 Forreston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Forreston's water come from?
Forreston's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,277 residents.
What health violations has Forreston's water system had?
Forreston has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Forreston's water compare to other cities?
Forreston ranks #59 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 94% of state cities) and #2971 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Forreston's small water system affect quality?
Forreston's system serves approximately 2,277 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 14 violations on record.