Is Garwood, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.9/100
waterverge.com Garwood, TX — Water Quality Report
Garwood's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 979 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 61 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garwood's water
Garwood ranks #740 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Garwood 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, Garwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 56 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garwood, TX water safe to drink?
Garwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 979 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Garwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garwood's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4332). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Garwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Garwood's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 56 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Colorado County has experienced 6 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 Lcra Colorado Rv Nr Altair, Lcra Colorado Rv Nr Garwood.
Where does Garwood's water come from?
Garwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 979 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lcra Colorado Rv Nr Altair (river), Lcra Colorado Rv Nr Garwood (river).
What Garwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garwood'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.
Garwood'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
D2 — severe droughtColorado 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
Colorado County has experienced 6 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Garwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Garwood ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garwood's water comes from
Garwood'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 979 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Garwood
Garwood is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Garwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLORADO COUNTY WCID 2 | TX0450014 | 979 | GW |
How Garwood compares
Full Texas rankings →Garwood's score of 54.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Garwood, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Colorado
Frequently asked questions
Is Garwood, TX tap water safe to drink?
Garwood's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #740 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Garwood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Garwood'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 Garwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garwood's water come from?
Garwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 979 residents.
What health violations has Garwood's water system had?
Garwood has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Garwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Garwood 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 61 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 Garwood's water compare to other cities?
Garwood ranks #740 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 31% of state cities) and #12575 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Garwood's small water system affect quality?
Garwood's system serves approximately 979 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 61 violations on record.