Is Little River Academy, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Little River Academy, TX — Water Quality Report
Little River Academy's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,961 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 18 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Little River Academy's water
Little River Academy ranks #267 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Little River Academy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Little River Academy, TX water safe to drink?
Little River Academy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,961 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Little River Academy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Little River Academy's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Little River Academy's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Little River Academy's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bell 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 Belton Lk Nr Belton, Leon Rv Nr Belton, Nolan Ck At S Penelope, Belton, Leon Rv At Fm 436 Nr Little River-Academy, Lampasas Rv Nr Belton.
Where does Little River Academy's water come from?
Little River Academy's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,961 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Belton Lk Nr Belton (lake), Leon Rv Nr Belton (river), Nolan Ck At S Penelope, Belton (river), Leon Rv At Fm 436 Nr Little River-Academy (river), Lampasas Rv Nr Belton (river).
What Little River Academy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Little River Academy'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Little River Academy'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
D1 — moderate droughtBell 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
Bell 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Little River Academy'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. | 5.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Little River Academy compares by contaminant
Explore where Little River Academy ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Little River Academy's water comes from
Little River Academy'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 1,961 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Little River Academy
Little River Academy is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Little River Academy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELL COUNTY WCID 2 | TX0140027 | 1,961 | SWP |
How Little River Academy compares
Full Texas rankings →Little River Academy's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Little River Academy, TX
Wikipedia →Little River-Academy is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,992 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Little River Academy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bell
Frequently asked questions
Is Little River Academy, TX tap water safe to drink?
Little River Academy's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #267 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Little River Academy's water?
Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Little River Academy'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 Little River Academy?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Little River Academy's water come from?
Little River Academy's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,961 residents.
What health violations has Little River Academy's water system had?
Little River Academy has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Little River Academy's water compare to other cities?
Little River Academy ranks #267 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 75% of state cities) and #6450 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Little River Academy's small water system affect quality?
Little River Academy's system serves approximately 1,961 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 18 violations on record.