Is Lake Kiowa, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Kiowa, TX — Water Quality Report
Lake Kiowa's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,848 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 23 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Kiowa's water
Lake Kiowa ranks #89 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Lake Kiowa 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, Lake Kiowa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Kiowa, TX water safe to drink?
Lake Kiowa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,848 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Kiowa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Kiowa's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Lake Kiowa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Kiowa's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cooke 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. Local water sources include Elm Fk Trinity Rv At Gainesville, Timber Ck Nr Collinsville.
Where does Lake Kiowa's water come from?
Lake Kiowa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,848 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Elm Fk Trinity Rv At Gainesville (river), Timber Ck Nr Collinsville (river).
What Lake Kiowa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Kiowa'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lake Kiowa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Kiowa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NOVITA SOLUTIONS LLC GAINESVILLE, TX76240 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCooke County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Cooke 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 Lake Kiowa compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Kiowa ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Kiowa's water comes from
Lake Kiowa'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 2,848 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Kiowa
Lake Kiowa is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Kiowa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE KIOWA SUD | TX0490016 | 2,848 | GW |
How Lake Kiowa compares
Full Texas rankings →Lake Kiowa's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Lake Kiowa, TX
Wikipedia →Texas is the most populous state in the Southern United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and an international border with the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south and southwest, that forms a natural boundary delineated by the Rio Grande. Texas has a coastline on the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast. Covering 268,596 square miles (695,660 km2) and with over 31 million residents as of 2024, it is the second-largest U.S. state by area and population. Texas is nicknamed the "Lone Star State" for the single star on its flag, symbolic of its former status as an independent country, the Republic of Texas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Kiowa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cooke
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Kiowa, TX tap water safe to drink?
Lake Kiowa's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #89 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Lake Kiowa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Lake Kiowa'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 Lake Kiowa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Kiowa's water come from?
Lake Kiowa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,848 residents.
What health violations has Lake Kiowa's water system had?
Lake Kiowa has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Kiowa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Kiowa 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 23 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 Lake Kiowa's water compare to other cities?
Lake Kiowa ranks #89 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 92% of state cities) and #3636 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Kiowa's small water system affect quality?
Lake Kiowa's system serves approximately 2,848 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 23 violations on record.