Is Marfa, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 273 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Marfa, TX — Water Quality Report
Marfa's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,958 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 786 violations on record, including 78 health-based violations. 273 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marfa's water
Marfa ranks #829 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Marfa 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, Marfa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 261 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marfa, TX water safe to drink?
Marfa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,958 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Marfa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marfa's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Marfa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marfa's water system has 786 total violations on record, including 78 health-based violations. 273 remain unresolved. 261 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Presidio County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Marfa's water come from?
Marfa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,958 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Marfa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marfa'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 Marfa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marfa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US CBP MARFA BORDER PATROL SM ARMS RANGE #TX13811 MARFA, TX79843 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPresidio 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
Presidio County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marfa compares by contaminant
Explore where Marfa ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marfa's water comes from
Marfa'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 1,958 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Marfa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MARFA | TX1890001 | 1,788 | GW |
| CANDELARIA WSC | TX1890011 | 138 | GW |
| SHAFTER MINE | TX1890018 | 32 | GW |
How Marfa compares
Full Texas rankings →Marfa's score of 47/100 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 Marfa, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marfa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Presidio
Frequently asked questions
Is Marfa, TX tap water safe to drink?
Marfa's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #829 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Marfa's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 786 violations are on record.
How is Marfa'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 Marfa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marfa's water come from?
Marfa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,958 residents.
What health violations has Marfa's water system had?
Marfa has 78 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 273 violations remain unresolved.
Is Marfa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Marfa 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 786 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 Marfa's water compare to other cities?
Marfa ranks #829 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 22% of state cities) and #13747 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.