Is Franklin, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80/100
waterverge.com Franklin, TX — Water Quality Report
Franklin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,273 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 39 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklin's water
Franklin ranks #361 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Franklin 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklin, TX water safe to drink?
Franklin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,273 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Franklin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Franklin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Franklin's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Robertson 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 Walnut Ck At Fm 46 Nr Bremond.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,273 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Walnut Ck At Fm 46 Nr Bremond (river).
What Franklin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklin'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.
Franklin'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 Franklin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANDERSON FARMS LLC FRANKLIN, TX77856 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRobertson County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Robertson 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Franklin compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklin ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklin's water comes from
Franklin'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 5,273 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Franklin
Franklin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Franklin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBERTSON COUNTY WSC | TX1980013 | 3,611 | GW |
| CITY OF FRANKLIN | TX1980003 | 1,610 | GW |
| NORTH HAMILTON HILL WSC | TX1980011 | 52 | GWP |
How Franklin compares
Full Texas rankings →Franklin's score of 80/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Franklin, TX
Wikipedia →Franklin is a city in, and the county seat of, Robertson County, Texas, United States. It is within the Brazos Valley, on the cusp of the East and Central Texas regions. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 1,614. The original name of the town was Morgan and it was made county seat in 1879.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Robertson
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin, TX tap water safe to drink?
Franklin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #361 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Franklin'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 Franklin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,273 residents.
Is Franklin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Franklin 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 39 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 Franklin's water compare to other cities?
Franklin ranks #361 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 66% of state cities) and #8050 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.