Is Knox City, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.7/100
waterverge.com Knox City, TX — Water Quality Report
Knox City's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,430 residents using purchased surface water.
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 25 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knox City's water
Knox City ranks #581 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Knox City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knox City, TX water safe to drink?
Knox City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,430 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Knox City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knox City's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Knox City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knox City's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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.
Where does Knox City's water come from?
Knox City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,430 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Knox City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Knox City'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtKnox 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
Knox 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Knox City compares by contaminant
Explore where Knox City ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knox City's water comes from
Knox City's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,430 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Knox City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF KNOX CITY | TX1380002 | 1,037 | SWP |
| KNOX COUNTY RURAL SUD | TX1380013 | 393 | SWP |
How Knox City compares
Full Texas rankings →Knox City's score of 69.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Knox City, TX
Wikipedia →Knox City is a town in Knox County, Texas, United States. Its population was 1,065 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knox City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Knox City, TX tap water safe to drink?
Knox City's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #581 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Knox City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Knox City'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 Knox City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knox City's water come from?
Knox City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,430 residents.
What health violations has Knox City's water system had?
Knox City has 9 health-based violations 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.
How does Knox City's water compare to other cities?
Knox City ranks #581 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 46% of state cities) and #10877 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.