WaterVerge

Is Hamilton, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX0970001
Overall Score
68.9 / 100
Violations
9 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#596 of 1067 in Texas Top 70% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
68.9/100
waterverge.com
C+ 68.9/100

Hamilton, TX — Water Quality Report

Hamilton's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,871 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 19 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Hamilton's water

Hamilton ranks #596 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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.

As a small community water system, Hamilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
68.9 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
24.9/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Hamilton, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Hamilton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,871 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

9
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Hamilton

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hamilton's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.9/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hamilton's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Hamilton's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2024 Public Notice Open
Jul 2024 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2024 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hamilton County has experienced 3 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 Leon Rv Nr Hamilton.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4879
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA DR-1606

Where does Hamilton's water come from?

Hamilton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,871 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Leon Rv Nr Hamilton (river).

What Hamilton residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hamilton's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Hamilton'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 14% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

19
Total violations
8
Health-based
9
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

19 Total
9 Active
8 Health-based
10 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
6
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2024
Oct 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2023
Jul 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2023
Apr 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2023
Jul 2011 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2011
Jul 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2009
Feb 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2007
Dec 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Jul 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Hamilton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4879
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.9 ppb from 1993 (9.9 ppb) to 2024 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,871
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Hamilton's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Hamilton'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 2,871 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Hamilton

Hamilton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Leon Rv Nr Hamilton
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Hamilton

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF HAMILTON TX0970001 2,871 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Hamilton compares

Full Texas rankings →

Hamilton's score of 68.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Hamilton (this city)
68.9
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Hamilton, TX

Wikipedia →

Hamilton is a city in and the county seat of Hamilton County, Texas, United States, located in the state's central region. Its population was 2,895 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$46,538
Median Income
$101,182
Median Home Value
$839/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
39.4
Median Age
323
People / sq mi
14.6%
College Educated
79.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Hamilton, TX tap water safe to drink?

Hamilton's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #596 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Hamilton's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.

How is Hamilton'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 Hamilton?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Hamilton's water come from?

Hamilton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,871 residents.

What health violations has Hamilton's water system had?

Hamilton has 8 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.

How does Hamilton's water compare to other cities?

Hamilton ranks #596 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 44% of state cities) and #11003 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Hamilton's small water system affect quality?

Hamilton's system serves approximately 2,871 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 19 violations on record.