Is Gordon, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Gordon, TX — Water Quality Report
Gordon's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,826 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 91 violations on record, including 51 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gordon's water
Gordon ranks #941 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gordon, TX water safe to drink?
Gordon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,826 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gordon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gordon's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Gordon's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Gordon's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 51 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Palo Pinto County has experienced 2 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 Lk Palo Pinto Nr Santo.
Where does Gordon's water come from?
Gordon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,826 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Palo Pinto Nr Santo (lake).
What Gordon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gordon'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Gordon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gordon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RM MILLER POWER PALO PINTO, TX76484 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Palo Pinto County has experienced 2 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 Gordon'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. | 11.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gordon compares by contaminant
Explore where Gordon ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gordon's water comes from
Gordon's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,826 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Gordon
Gordon is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gordon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE PALO PINTO AREA WSC | TX1820069 | 2,247 | SW |
| BARTON WSC | TX0720013 | 1,104 | SWP |
| CITY OF GORDON | TX1820007 | 475 | SW |
How Gordon compares
Full Texas rankings →Gordon's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Gordon, TX
Wikipedia →Gordon is a city in Palo Pinto County, Texas, United States. The population was 470 at the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gordon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Palo Pinto
Frequently asked questions
Is Gordon, TX tap water safe to drink?
Gordon's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #941 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Gordon's water?
Lead was measured at 11.4 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Gordon'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 Gordon?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gordon's water come from?
Gordon's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,826 residents.
What health violations has Gordon's water system had?
Gordon has 51 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gordon's water compare to other cities?
Gordon ranks #941 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 12% of state cities) and #14676 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.