Is Hamlin, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.4/100
waterverge.com Hamlin, TX — Water Quality Report
Hamlin's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,881 residents using purchased surface water.
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 83 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hamlin's water
Hamlin ranks #732 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, Hamlin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hamlin, TX water safe to drink?
Hamlin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,881 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hamlin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hamlin's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hamlin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hamlin's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jones 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 Dmf Brazos Rv Nr Aspermont.
Where does Hamlin's water come from?
Hamlin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,881 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dmf Brazos Rv Nr Aspermont (river).
What Hamlin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hamlin'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.
Hamlin'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hamlin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hamlin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HAMLIN GAS PLANT HAMLIN, TX79520 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFisher 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
Jones 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hamlin'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hamlin compares by contaminant
Explore where Hamlin ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hamlin's water comes from
Hamlin'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 2,881 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hamlin
Hamlin 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 Hamlin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF HAMLIN | TX1270002 | 2,164 | SWP |
| SYLVESTER MCCAULLEY WSC | TX0760012 | 717 | SWP |
How Hamlin compares
Full Texas rankings →Hamlin's score of 56.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Hamlin, TX
Wikipedia →Hamlin is a city in Jones and Fisher Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population was 1,831 at the 2020 census. The Jones County portion of Hamlin is part of the Abilene, Texas metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hamlin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jones
Frequently asked questions
Is Hamlin, TX tap water safe to drink?
Hamlin's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #732 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Hamlin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Hamlin'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 Hamlin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hamlin's water come from?
Hamlin's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,881 residents.
What health violations has Hamlin's water system had?
Hamlin has 29 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. 27 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hamlin's water compare to other cities?
Hamlin ranks #732 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 31% of state cities) and #12461 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.