Is Hays, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Hays, TX — Water Quality Report
Hays's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hays's water
Hays ranks #223 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hays 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, Hays may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hays, TX water safe to drink?
Hays's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hays
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hays's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hays's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hays's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hays 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 Barton Ck At Loop 360, Austin, Barton Ck Abv Barton Spgs At Austin, Barton Spgs At Austin, W Bouldin Ck At Oltorf Rd, Austin, Waller Ck At Red River St, Austin.
Where does Hays's water come from?
Hays's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Barton Ck At Loop 360, Austin (river), Barton Ck Abv Barton Spgs At Austin (river), Barton Spgs At Austin (spring), W Bouldin Ck At Oltorf Rd, Austin (river), Waller Ck At Red River St, Austin (river).
What Hays residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hays'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hays
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hays, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO LP BUDA, TX78610 | Nickel compounds | 8 | 4.6 mi |
CMC STEEL FABRICATORS INC (DBA CMC CAPITOL CITY STEEL) BUDA, TX78610 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2 | 4.0 mi |
ASPHALT INC BUDA CENTEX PLANT BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
CENTEX MATERIALS - BUDA RMX BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
ASPHALT INC. BUDA BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHays 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
Hays 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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hays compares by contaminant
Explore where Hays ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hays's water comes from
Hays'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 639 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hays
Hays is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hays
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELLIOTT RANCH WATER SYSTEM | TX1050132 | 639 | GW |
How Hays compares
Full Texas rankings →Hays's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Hays, TX
Wikipedia →Hays is a city in Hays County, Texas, United States. The population was 227 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hays's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hays
Frequently asked questions
Is Hays, TX tap water safe to drink?
Hays's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #223 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Hays's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Hays'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 Hays?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hays's water come from?
Hays's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 639 residents.
Is Hays's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hays 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 5 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 Hays's water compare to other cities?
Hays ranks #223 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 79% of state cities) and #5803 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hays's small water system affect quality?
Hays's system serves approximately 639 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 5 violations on record.