Is Grand Saline, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 78 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Grand Saline, TX — Water Quality Report
Grand Saline's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,243 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 272 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 78 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Saline's water
Grand Saline ranks #819 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Grand Saline 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.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Saline, TX water safe to drink?
Grand Saline's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,243 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Saline
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Saline's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4269). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Saline's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grand Saline's water system has 272 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 78 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Van Zandt 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 Mill Ck At Cr 1903 Nr Fruitvale, Sabine Rv At Fm 17 Nr Golden, Grand Saline Ck At Fm 857 Nr Grand Saline.
Where does Grand Saline's water come from?
Grand Saline's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 6,243 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill Ck At Cr 1903 Nr Fruitvale (river), Sabine Rv At Fm 17 Nr Golden (river), Grand Saline Ck At Fm 857 Nr Grand Saline (river).
What Grand Saline residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Saline'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.
Grand Saline'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
D3 — extreme droughtVan Zandt 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
Van Zandt 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Saline compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Saline ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Saline's water comes from
Grand Saline'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 6,243 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Grand Saline
Grand Saline is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grand Saline
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF GRAND SALINE | TX2340003 | 3,219 | GW |
| PRUITT SAND FLAT WSC | TX2340015 | 1,641 | GW |
| CORINTH WSC | TX2340021 | 1,200 | GW |
| MARTINS MILL WSC | TX2340013 | 183 | GW |
How Grand Saline compares
Full Texas rankings →Grand Saline's score of 47/100 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 Grand Saline, TX
Wikipedia →Grand Saline is a city in Van Zandt County, Texas, United States, located in East Texas. The population was 3,107 as of 2020, making Grand Saline the third-largest city in Van Zandt County. The city is located roughly 75 miles (120 km) east of Dallas and 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Tyler, the two nearest metropolitan areas, and is part of the greater Tyler/Longview area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Saline's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Zandt
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Saline, TX tap water safe to drink?
Grand Saline's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #819 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Grand Saline's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 272 violations are on record.
How is Grand Saline'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 Grand Saline?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Saline's water come from?
Grand Saline's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 6,243 residents.
What health violations has Grand Saline's water system had?
Grand Saline has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 78 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grand Saline's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grand Saline 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 272 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 Grand Saline's water compare to other cities?
Grand Saline ranks #819 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 23% of state cities) and #13698 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.