Is Malakoff, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Malakoff, TX — Water Quality Report
Malakoff's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,158 residents using 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 98 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Malakoff's water
Malakoff ranks #858 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 60 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Malakoff, TX water safe to drink?
Malakoff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,158 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Malakoff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malakoff's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4266). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Malakoff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Malakoff's water system has 98 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 60 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henderson County has experienced 4 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 Trinity Rv At Trinidad, Cedar Ck Res Nr Trinidad.
Where does Malakoff's water come from?
Malakoff's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,158 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trinity Rv At Trinidad (river), Cedar Ck Res Nr Trinidad (lake).
What Malakoff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Malakoff'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.
Malakoff'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Malakoff
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Malakoff, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ACME BRICK CO TEXAS CLAY MALAKOFF, TX75148 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS INC ATHENS, TX75751 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
CLAYTON ATHENS ATHENS, TX75751 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHenderson County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Henderson County has experienced 4 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 Malakoff compares by contaminant
Explore where Malakoff ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Malakoff's water comes from
Malakoff'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 4,158 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Malakoff
Malakoff is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Malakoff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MALAKOFF | TX1070002 | 3,039 | SW |
| CITY OF STAR HARBOR | TX1070150 | 1,119 | SW |
How Malakoff compares
Full Texas rankings →Malakoff's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Malakoff, TX
Wikipedia →Malakoff is a city in Henderson County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,179 at the 2020 census. The city is named after a Russian fort of Malakoff, which played a pivotal role during the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Malakoff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henderson
Frequently asked questions
Is Malakoff, TX tap water safe to drink?
Malakoff's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #858 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Malakoff's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 98 violations are on record.
How is Malakoff'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 Malakoff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Malakoff's water come from?
Malakoff's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,158 residents.
What health violations has Malakoff's water system had?
Malakoff has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Malakoff's water compare to other cities?
Malakoff ranks #858 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 20% of state cities) and #13971 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.