01The verdict: is La Grulla water safe?
La Grulla's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 9,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
44 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓Lead is well under the limit
90th-percentile lead is 0.0 ppb — beneath the 15 ppb federal action level and under the 5 ppb watch threshold.
See the trend ↓lithium is approaching its limit
Measured at 40.0000 µg/L — 120% of the 0.004 µg/L limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓La Grulla's drinking water received a grade of D (46.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 9,500 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply. The system has 118 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
La Grulla ranks #848 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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. PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. The system has seen 46 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in La Grulla's water
Every contaminant flagged in La Grulla, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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 |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 40.000 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Texas
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Texas
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03La Grulla's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 118 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
3 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 5.5 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 0 ppb (2025) — 0% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where La Grulla's water comes from
La Grulla's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface Water
Rivers, lakes, or reservoirs — more exposed to runoff, agriculture, and seasonal swings than groundwater.
Local treatment
Multi-barrier treatment: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA standards.
1 system
1 water system, operated under local government ownership.
9,500 people
Residents served across La Grulla's service area.
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 9,500 people through 1 water system.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LA GRULLA | TX2140006 | 9,500 | Surface Water |
05Pressure on La Grulla's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
8 federal disaster declarations on record for Starr County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
06How La Grulla compares
Scores for nearby Texas cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Texas average (46/100)
La Grulla scores 46.2/100 — on par with the Texas average of 46/100. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities. Full Texas rankings →
27.8 / 100FSan Antonio, TX
33.1 / 100FAustin, TX
31.2 / 100FDallas, TX
36.2 / 100FFort Worth, TX
34.5 / 100FEl Paso, TX
35.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in La Grulla's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. 1 PFAS compound detected
Compare tested filters →Read your utility's annual report
Every utility must publish a yearly Consumer Confidence Report with its own testing results. It pairs well with the independent data on this page.
How to read a CCR →Watch for La Grulla alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is La Grulla, TX tap water safe to drink?
La Grulla's water quality earned a grade of D (46.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #848 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in La Grulla's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 118 violations are on record.
How is La Grulla'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 La Grulla?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does La Grulla's water come from?
La Grulla's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 9,500 residents.
What health violations has La Grulla's water system had?
La Grulla has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does La Grulla's water compare to other cities?
La Grulla ranks #848 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 21% of state cities) and #13617 out of 15382 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.