WaterVerge

Is Kirbyville, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: TX1210002
Overall Score
48.8 / 100
Violations
15 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#792 of 1067 in Texas Top 85% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
48.8/100
waterverge.com
D 48.8/100

Kirbyville, TX — Water Quality Report

Kirbyville's drinking water received a grade of D (48.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,630 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 51 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Kirbyville's water

Kirbyville ranks #792 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Kirbyville 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, Kirbyville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
48.8 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
1.8/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Kirbyville, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Kirbyville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,630 residents using groundwater (wells).

15
Active Violations
0.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Kirbyville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kirbyville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kirbyville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Kirbyville's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMONTTRPT
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Chlorine Resolved
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
May 2025 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Big Cow Ck At Fm 1416 Nr Call.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4572

Where does Kirbyville's water come from?

Kirbyville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Cow Ck At Fm 1416 Nr Call (river).

What Kirbyville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kirbyville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Kirbyville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 4% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

51
Total violations
1
Health-based
15
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

51 Total
15 Active
1 Health-based
36 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
26
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Revised Total Coliform Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Dec 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2025 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Apr 2025
Mar 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Mar 2025
Feb 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2025
Jan 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2025
Showing 20 of 51 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Jasper 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
18.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Dec 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #4572
Aug 2020
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3540
Aug 2017
HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane FEMA #4332
Jun 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4272

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.3 ppb from 1993 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.7 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Kirbyville compares by contaminant

Explore where Kirbyville ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,630
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Kirbyville's water comes from

Groundwater

Kirbyville'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 2,630 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Kirbyville

Kirbyville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Big Cow Ck At Fm 1416 Nr Call
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Kirbyville

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF KIRBYVILLE TX1210002 2,578 GW
GOSHEN ERETS TX1760025 52 GW
Regional Comparison

How Kirbyville compares

Full Texas rankings →

Kirbyville's score of 48.8/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Kirbyville (this city)
48.8
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Kirbyville, TX

Economic Profile
$30,152
Median Income
$85,045
Median Home Value
$597/mo
Median Rent
23.6%
Unemployment
Community
36.3
Median Age
374
People / sq mi
5.5%
College Educated
59.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Kirbyville, TX tap water safe to drink?

Kirbyville's water quality earned a grade of D (48.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #792 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Kirbyville's water?

Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.

How is Kirbyville'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 Kirbyville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Kirbyville's water come from?

Kirbyville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,630 residents.

What health violations has Kirbyville's water system had?

Kirbyville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.

Is Kirbyville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Kirbyville 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 51 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 Kirbyville's water compare to other cities?

Kirbyville ranks #792 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 26% of state cities) and #13414 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.