Is Gallatin, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com Gallatin, TX — Water Quality Report
Gallatin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 996 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gallatin's water
Gallatin ranks #341 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Gallatin 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, Gallatin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gallatin, TX water safe to drink?
Gallatin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 996 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gallatin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gallatin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gallatin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Gallatin's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 7 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 Mud Ck Nr Jacksonville.
Where does Gallatin's water come from?
Gallatin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 996 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mud Ck Nr Jacksonville (river).
What Gallatin residents can do
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.
Gallatin'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 Gallatin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gallatin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KLEIN PRODUCTS OF TEXAS JACKSONVILLE, TX75766 | Chromium | 1 | 5.6 mi |
TXI - JACKSONVILLE READY MIX JACKSONVILLE, TX75766 | Lead compounds | 0 | 7.7 mi |
WARMINSTER FIBERGLASS LLC JACKSONVILLE, TX75766 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCherokee 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
Cherokee County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gallatin's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 6.25 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gallatin compares by contaminant
Explore where Gallatin ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gallatin's water comes from
Gallatin'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 996 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gallatin
Gallatin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gallatin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALLATIN WSC | TX0370020 | 996 | GW |
How Gallatin compares
Full Texas rankings →Gallatin's score of 80.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Gallatin, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gallatin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Gallatin, TX tap water safe to drink?
Gallatin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #341 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Gallatin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Gallatin'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 Gallatin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gallatin's water come from?
Gallatin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 996 residents.
Is Gallatin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gallatin 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 2 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 Gallatin's water compare to other cities?
Gallatin ranks #341 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 68% of state cities) and #7762 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gallatin's small water system affect quality?
Gallatin's system serves approximately 996 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 2 violations on record.