Is Hale Center, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Hale Center, TX — Water Quality Report
Hale Center's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 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 31 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hale Center's water
Hale Center ranks #122 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hale Center 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, Hale Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hale Center, TX water safe to drink?
Hale Center's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hale Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hale Center's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Hale Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hale Center's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hale 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. Local water sources include Running Water Draw At Plainview.
Where does Hale Center's water come from?
Hale Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Running Water Draw At Plainview (river).
What Hale Center residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hale Center'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.
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 droughtHale 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
Hale 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 Hale Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Hale Center ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hale Center's water comes from
Hale Center'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 1,705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hale Center
Hale Center is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hale Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF HALE CENTER | TX0950002 | 1,705 | GW |
How Hale Center compares
Full Texas rankings →Hale Center's score of 87.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Hale Center, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hale Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hale
Frequently asked questions
Is Hale Center, TX tap water safe to drink?
Hale Center's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #122 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Hale Center's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Hale Center'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 Hale Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hale Center's water come from?
Hale Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 residents.
What health violations has Hale Center's water system had?
Hale Center has 3 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hale Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hale Center 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 31 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 Hale Center's water compare to other cities?
Hale Center ranks #122 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 89% of state cities) and #4260 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hale Center's small water system affect quality?
Hale Center's system serves approximately 1,705 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 31 violations on record.