WaterVerge

Is Lovelady, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

990 residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX1130003
Overall Score
87 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#128 of 1067 in Texas Top 28% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87/100
waterverge.com
A- 87/100

Lovelady, TX — Water Quality Report

Lovelady's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using purchased surface water.

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 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Lovelady's water

Lovelady ranks #128 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.

As a small community water system, Lovelady may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Lovelady, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lovelady's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lovelady

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lovelady's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lovelady's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Lovelady's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2019 Chlorine Resolved
Aug 2018 Public Notice Open
Aug 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jun 2018 E. COLI Open
Nov 2016 E. COLI Open

Flood & environmental risk

Houston County has experienced 7 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 Gail Ck At Fm 1280 Nr Lovelady, Tantabogue Ck At Fm 230 Nr Lovelady.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3540

Where does Lovelady's water come from?

Lovelady's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 990 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Gail Ck At Fm 1280 Nr Lovelady (river), Tantabogue Ck At Fm 230 Nr Lovelady (river).

What Lovelady residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lovelady's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Lovelady'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

20
Total violations
7
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Apr 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

20 Total
5 Active
7 Health-based
15 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
10
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Aug 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2018 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2016 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2010 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2019
Aug 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2018
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2015
Oct 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2013
Sep 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Sep 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2009
Sep 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1993
Sep 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Sep 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Jul 1993
Oct 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1992
Oct 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Oct 1992
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Houston 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.

15.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Houston County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Aug 2020
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3540
Feb 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4416
Jun 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4272
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #1791

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.2 ppb from 1994 (1.2 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
990
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lovelady's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Lovelady'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 990 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lovelady

Lovelady is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Gail Ck At Fm 1280 Nr Lovelady
river
Tantabogue Ck At Fm 230 Nr Lovelady
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lovelady

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF LOVELADY TX1130003 990 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Lovelady compares

Full Texas rankings →

Lovelady's score of 87/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Lovelady (this city)
87
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Lovelady, TX

Economic Profile
$40,714
Median Income
$112,251
Median Home Value
$882/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
45.1
Median Age
147
People / sq mi
29.2%
College Educated
66.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lovelady, TX tap water safe to drink?

Lovelady's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #128 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Lovelady's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.

How is Lovelady'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 Lovelady?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lovelady's water come from?

Lovelady's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 990 residents.

What health violations has Lovelady's water system had?

Lovelady has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Lovelady's water compare to other cities?

Lovelady ranks #128 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 88% of state cities) and #4347 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Lovelady's small water system affect quality?

Lovelady's system serves approximately 990 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.