Is Fort Hancock, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Fort Hancock, TX — Water Quality Report
Fort Hancock's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 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 45 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Hancock's water
Fort Hancock ranks #371 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fort Hancock 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, Fort Hancock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Hancock, TX water safe to drink?
Fort Hancock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Hancock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Hancock's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Hancock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Hancock's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hudspeth County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Fort Hancock's water come from?
Fort Hancock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Hancock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Hancock'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Hudspeth County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Fort Hancock compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Hancock ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Hancock's water comes from
Fort Hancock'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 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fort Hancock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT HANCOCK WCID | TX1150005 | 1,800 | GW |
How Fort Hancock compares
Full Texas rankings →Fort Hancock's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Fort Hancock, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Hancock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hudspeth
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Hancock, TX tap water safe to drink?
Fort Hancock's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #371 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Fort Hancock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Fort Hancock'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 Fort Hancock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Hancock's water come from?
Fort Hancock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has Fort Hancock's water system had?
Fort Hancock has 31 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Hancock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Hancock 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 45 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 Fort Hancock's water compare to other cities?
Fort Hancock ranks #371 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 65% of state cities) and #8137 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Hancock's small water system affect quality?
Fort Hancock's system serves approximately 1,800 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 45 violations on record.