Is Kendleton, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Kendleton, TX — Water Quality Report
Kendleton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,207 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 23 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kendleton's water
Kendleton ranks #347 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Kendleton 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, Kendleton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kendleton, TX water safe to drink?
Kendleton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,207 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kendleton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kendleton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Kendleton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kendleton's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fort Bend County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. 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 West Bernard Ck At Us 59 Nr Hungerford, San Bernard Rv Nr Boling, Colorado Rv At Wharton.
Where does Kendleton's water come from?
Kendleton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,207 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Bernard Ck At Us 59 Nr Hungerford (river), San Bernard Rv Nr Boling (river), Colorado Rv At Wharton (river).
What Kendleton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kendleton'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.
Kendleton'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 Kendleton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kendleton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LAMBERTI USA INC HUNGERFORD, TX77448 | Certain glycol ethers | 23 | 1.6 mi |
HUDSON PRODUCTS CORP BEASLEY, TX77417 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtFort Bend 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
Fort Bend County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. 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 Kendleton compares by contaminant
Explore where Kendleton ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kendleton's water comes from
Kendleton'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 1,207 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kendleton
Kendleton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kendleton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF KENDLETON | TX0790018 | 1,207 | GW |
How Kendleton compares
Full Texas rankings →Kendleton's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Kendleton, TX
Wikipedia →Kendleton is a city in western Fort Bend County, Texas, United States, located southwest of Sugar Land. It was established by emancipated slaves after the Civil War. The population was 343 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kendleton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fort Bend
Frequently asked questions
Is Kendleton, TX tap water safe to drink?
Kendleton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #347 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Kendleton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Kendleton'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 Kendleton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kendleton's water come from?
Kendleton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,207 residents.
What health violations has Kendleton's water system had?
Kendleton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kendleton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kendleton 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 23 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 Kendleton's water compare to other cities?
Kendleton ranks #347 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 67% of state cities) and #7845 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kendleton's small water system affect quality?
Kendleton's system serves approximately 1,207 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 23 violations on record.