Is Gardendale, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Gardendale, TX — Water Quality Report
Gardendale's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,477 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gardendale's water
Gardendale ranks #19 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Gardendale 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 Gardendale, TX water safe to drink?
Gardendale's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,477 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gardendale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gardendale's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Gardendale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gardendale's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Ector 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 Gardendale's water come from?
Gardendale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,477 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gardendale 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.
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 Gardendale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gardendale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CATALYST OILFIELD SERVICES 2016 LLC GARDENDALE, TX79758 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
BRENNTAG SOUTHWEST INC ODESSA ODESSA, TX79762 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ODESSA BABBITT BEARING CO ODESSA, TX79764 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
CHAMPIONX-ODESSA EAST 528 ODESSA, TX79765 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ACE PRONTO YARD ODESSA, TX79762 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Gardendale
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- EAST 67TH STREET GROUND WATER PLUME7.4 mi
- SPRAGUE ROAD GROUND WATER PLUME7.7 mi
- NORTHWEST ODESSA GROUNDWATER8.4 mi
- ODESSA CHROMIUM 19.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEctor 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
Ector 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 Gardendale compares by contaminant
Explore where Gardendale ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gardendale's water comes from
Gardendale'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 3,477 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gardendale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREATER GARDENDALE WSC | TX0680214 | 3,477 | GW |
How Gardendale compares
Full Texas rankings →Gardendale's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Gardendale, TX
Wikipedia →Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the county seat and largest city of Nueces County in South Texas, with portions extending into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. With a population of 317,863 at the 2020 census, Corpus Christi is the eighth-most populous city in Texas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gardendale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ector
Frequently asked questions
Is Gardendale, TX tap water safe to drink?
Gardendale's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Gardendale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Gardendale'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 Gardendale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gardendale's water come from?
Gardendale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,477 residents.
Is Gardendale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gardendale 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 7 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 Gardendale's water compare to other cities?
Gardendale ranks #19 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 98% of state cities) and #1759 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.