Is Leakey, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78/100
waterverge.com Leakey, TX — Water Quality Report
Leakey's drinking water received a grade of B (78 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,764 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 81 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Leakey's water
Leakey ranks #414 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Leakey 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, Leakey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Leakey, TX water safe to drink?
Leakey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,764 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Leakey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Leakey's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Leakey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Leakey's water system has 81 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Real County has experienced 3 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 Frio Rv At Leakey.
Where does Leakey's water come from?
Leakey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,764 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Frio Rv At Leakey (river).
What Leakey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Leakey'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.
Leakey'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
Flood & disaster history
Real County has experienced 3 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Leakey compares by contaminant
Explore where Leakey ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Leakey's water comes from
Leakey'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 2,764 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Leakey
Leakey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Leakey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LEAKEY | TX1930002 | 1,758 | GU |
| REAL WSC | TX1930018 | 471 | GW |
| OAKMONT SADDLE MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM | TX1930015 | 309 | GU |
| TWIN FORKS ESTATES WSC | TX1930007 | 226 | GU |
How Leakey compares
Full Texas rankings →Leakey's score of 78/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Leakey, TX
Wikipedia →Leakey is a city in and the county seat of Real County, Texas, United States. The population was 315 at the 2020 census. The city is named for John H. Leakey (1824–1900), a pioneer from Tennessee.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Leakey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Real
Frequently asked questions
Is Leakey, TX tap water safe to drink?
Leakey's water quality earned a grade of B (78/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #414 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Leakey's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 81 violations are on record.
How is Leakey'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 Leakey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Leakey's water come from?
Leakey's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,764 residents.
What health violations has Leakey's water system had?
Leakey has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Leakey's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Leakey 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 81 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 Leakey's water compare to other cities?
Leakey ranks #414 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 61% of state cities) and #8821 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.