Is Markham, 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 ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Markham, TX — Water Quality Report
Markham's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater.
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 8 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Markham's water
Markham ranks #166 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Markham 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, Markham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Markham, TX water safe to drink?
Markham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Markham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Markham's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Markham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Markham's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Matagorda County has experienced 9 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 Colorado Rv Nr Bay City, Juanita Ck At Sh 71 Nr Midfield, Tres Palacios Rv Nr Midfield.
Where does Markham's water come from?
Markham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Colorado Rv Nr Bay City (river), Juanita Ck At Sh 71 Nr Midfield (river), Tres Palacios Rv Nr Midfield (river).
What Markham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Markham'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.
Markham'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 Markham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Markham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,128 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OXEA CORP BAY CITY PLANT BAY CITY, TX77414 | n-Butyl alcohol | 3,128 | 7.2 mi |
CELANESE LTD BAY CITY PLANT BAY CITY, TX77414 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
CHEMICALS INC BAY CITY SITE BAY CITY, TX77414 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
GULFMARK ENERGY INC BAY CITY, TX77414 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
WILLIAMS FSG - MARKHAM CRYOGENIC GAS PROCESSING PLANT MARKHAM, TX77456 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMatagorda County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Matagorda County has experienced 9 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 Markham compares by contaminant
Explore where Markham ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Markham's water comes from
Markham'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Markham
Markham is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Markham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARKHAM MUD | TX1610006 | 1,400 | GW |
How Markham compares
Full Texas rankings →Markham's score of 86.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Markham, TX
Wikipedia →Markham is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. Named in 1903 for Charles H. Markham, a railroad engineer for Southern Pacific, the town was founded in 1901 as Cortes. In 1914, it was a designated stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. As of the 2020 census, the population was 908.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Markham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Matagorda
Frequently asked questions
Is Markham, TX tap water safe to drink?
Markham's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #166 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Markham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Markham'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 Markham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Markham's water come from?
Markham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Markham's water system had?
Markham has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Markham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Markham 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 8 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 Markham's water compare to other cities?
Markham ranks #166 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 84% of state cities) and #4936 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Markham's small water system affect quality?
Markham's system serves approximately 1,400 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 8 violations on record.