Is Kountze, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Kountze, TX — Water Quality Report
Kountze's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,029 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 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kountze's water
Kountze ranks #30 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Kountze 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, Kountze may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kountze, TX water safe to drink?
Kountze's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,029 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kountze
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kountze's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kountze's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kountze's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardin County has experienced 8 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 Village Ck At Us Hwy 69 Nr Village Mills, Village Ck Nr Kountze.
Where does Kountze's water come from?
Kountze's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,029 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Village Ck At Us Hwy 69 Nr Village Mills (river), Village Ck Nr Kountze (river).
What Kountze residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kountze'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.
Kountze'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 Kountze
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kountze, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORGED COMPONENTS INC. KOUNTZE, TX77625 | Nickel | 10 | 0.6 mi |
DRAGON PRODUCTS NORTH SILSBEE FACILITY SILSBEE, TX77656 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
TRECORA HYDROCARBONS LLC SILSBEE, TX77656 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHardin 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hardin County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Kountze compares by contaminant
Explore where Kountze ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kountze's water comes from
Kountze'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 2,029 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Kountze
Kountze is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kountze
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF KOUNTZE | TX1000001 | 1,981 | GW |
| CITY OF KOUNTZE- RANCHLAND | TX1000070 | 48 | GW |
How Kountze compares
Full Texas rankings →Kountze's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Kountze, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kountze's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardin
Frequently asked questions
Is Kountze, TX tap water safe to drink?
Kountze's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Kountze's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Kountze'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 Kountze?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kountze's water come from?
Kountze's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,029 residents.
What health violations has Kountze's water system had?
Kountze has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kountze's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kountze 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 11 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 Kountze's water compare to other cities?
Kountze ranks #30 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 97% of state cities) and #2190 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.