Is Italy, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Italy, TX — Water Quality Report
Italy's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,097 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 64 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Italy's water
Italy ranks #521 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Italy 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.
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 Italy, TX water safe to drink?
Italy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,097 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Italy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Italy's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Italy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Italy's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ellis 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 Richland Ck At Hwy 22 Nr Mertens, Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon.
Where does Italy's water come from?
Italy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,097 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Richland Ck At Hwy 22 Nr Mertens (river), Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon (river).
What Italy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Italy'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.
Italy'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 Italy
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Italy, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUNTING TITAN-MILFORD MILFORD, TX76670 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtEllis 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
Ellis 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.
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 Italy compares by contaminant
Explore where Italy ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Italy's water comes from
Italy'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 4,097 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Italy
Italy is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Italy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ITALY | TX0700028 | 2,264 | GW |
| SOUTH ELLIS COUNTY WATER SUPPLY | TX0700043 | 1,767 | GW |
| COMING OF CHRIST FULL GOSPEL CHURCH | TX0700080 | 66 | GW |
How Italy compares
Full Texas rankings →Italy's score of 73.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Italy, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Italy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ellis
Frequently asked questions
Is Italy, TX tap water safe to drink?
Italy's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #521 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Italy's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Italy'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 Italy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Italy's water come from?
Italy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,097 residents.
What health violations has Italy's water system had?
Italy has 6 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.
Is Italy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Italy 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 64 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 Italy's water compare to other cities?
Italy ranks #521 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 51% of state cities) and #10067 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.