Is La Grulla, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 44 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.2/100
waterverge.com La Grulla, TX — Water Quality Report
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.
What to know about La Grulla's water
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Grulla, TX water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for La Grulla
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Grulla's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4871). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Grulla's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
Violation history
La Grulla's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 46 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Starr County has experienced 8 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 La Grulla's water come from?
La Grulla's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 9,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What La Grulla residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Grulla'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.
La Grulla'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtStarr 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
Starr County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in La Grulla's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Grulla compares by contaminant
Explore where La Grulla ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where 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 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.
Water systems serving La Grulla
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LA GRULLA | TX2140006 | 9,500 | SW |
How La Grulla compares
Full Texas rankings →La Grulla's score of 46.2/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About La Grulla, TX
Wikipedia →La Grulla is a city in Starr County, Texas, United States, founded by Juan Santiago Longoria in 1836. The population was 1,222 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Grulla's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Starr
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 #13895 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.