Is Helotes, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.4/100
waterverge.com Helotes, TX — Water Quality Report
Helotes's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 792 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 48 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Helotes's water
Helotes ranks #705 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Helotes 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, Helotes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Helotes, TX water safe to drink?
Helotes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 792 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Helotes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Helotes's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3530). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Helotes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Helotes's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bexar County has experienced 9 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 Salado Ck At Wilderness Rd, San Antonio, San Geronimo Ck Nr Helotes, Culebra Ck In Gcsna Nr Helotes, Leon Ck At Ih 10 And Loop 1604 Nr San Antonio, Helotes Ck At Helotes.
Where does Helotes's water come from?
Helotes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 792 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salado Ck At Wilderness Rd, San Antonio (river), San Geronimo Ck Nr Helotes (river), Culebra Ck In Gcsna Nr Helotes (river), Leon Ck At Ih 10 And Loop 1604 Nr San Antonio (river), Helotes Ck At Helotes (river).
What Helotes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Helotes'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.
Helotes'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 Helotes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Helotes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAMP STANLEY BOERNE, TX78015 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
ALAMO MARBLE LTD SAN ANTONIO, TX78249 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
ECONTROLS LLC SAN ANTONIO, TX78249 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS SAN ANTONIO, TX78251 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
TOWERJAZZ TEXAS SAN ANTONIO, TX78251 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Helotes
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BANDERA ROAD GROUND WATER PLUME6.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBandera County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Bexar County has experienced 9 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Helotes compares by contaminant
Explore where Helotes ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Helotes's water comes from
Helotes'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 private ownership and serves approximately 792 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Helotes
Helotes is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Helotes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREY FOREST WATER SYSTEM | TX0150514 | 663 | GW |
| RANCH HILLS WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION | TX0100062 | 129 | GW |
How Helotes compares
Full Texas rankings →Helotes's score of 59.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Helotes, TX
Wikipedia →Helotes is a city in Bexar County, Texas, United States, located on the far northwestern side of San Antonio. It is part of the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area. Helotes was settled primarily by German and Spanish settlers in the 1850s. Its population was 9,030 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Helotes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bexar
Frequently asked questions
Is Helotes, TX tap water safe to drink?
Helotes's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #705 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Helotes's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Helotes'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 Helotes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Helotes's water come from?
Helotes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 792 residents.
What health violations has Helotes's water system had?
Helotes has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Helotes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Helotes 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 48 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 Helotes's water compare to other cities?
Helotes ranks #705 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 34% of state cities) and #12188 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.