Is Laird Hill, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Laird Hill, TX — Water Quality Report
Laird Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 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 20 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Laird Hill's water
Laird Hill ranks #244 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Laird Hill 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, Laird Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Laird Hill, TX water safe to drink?
Laird Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Laird Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Laird Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Laird Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Laird Hill's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rusk County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Sabine Rv Abv Longview, Rabbit Ck At Kilgore.
Where does Laird Hill's water come from?
Laird Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sabine Rv Abv Longview (river), Rabbit Ck At Kilgore (river).
What Laird Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Laird Hill'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.
Laird Hill'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRusk 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
Rusk County has experienced 5 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 Laird Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Laird Hill ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Laird Hill's water comes from
Laird Hill'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 705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Laird Hill
Laird Hill is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Laird Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEVERETTS CHAPEL WSC | TX2010036 | 705 | GW |
How Laird Hill compares
Full Texas rankings →Laird Hill's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Laird Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rusk
Frequently asked questions
Is Laird Hill, TX tap water safe to drink?
Laird Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #244 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Laird Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Laird Hill'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 Laird Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Laird Hill's water come from?
Laird Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 705 residents.
What health violations has Laird Hill's water system had?
Laird Hill has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Laird Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Laird Hill 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 20 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 Laird Hill's water compare to other cities?
Laird Hill ranks #244 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 77% of state cities) and #6064 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Laird Hill's small water system affect quality?
Laird Hill's system serves approximately 705 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 20 violations on record.