Is Mason, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Mason, TX — Water Quality Report
Mason's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,228 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 150 violations on record, including 115 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mason's water
Mason ranks #772 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mason 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, Mason may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mason, TX water safe to drink?
Mason's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,228 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mason
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mason's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mason's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mason's water system has 150 total violations on record, including 115 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mason 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 Llano Rv Nr Mason, Beaver Ck Nr Mason.
Where does Mason's water come from?
Mason's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,228 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Llano Rv Nr Mason (river), Beaver Ck Nr Mason (river).
What Mason residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mason'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.
Mason'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
Flood & disaster history
Mason 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.
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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mason compares by contaminant
Explore where Mason ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mason's water comes from
Mason'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 2,228 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mason
Mason is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mason
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MASON | TX1600001 | 2,228 | GW |
How Mason compares
Full Texas rankings →Mason's score of 50/100 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 Mason, TX
Wikipedia →Mason is a city in and the county seat of Mason County, Texas, United States. The city is an agricultural community on Comanche Creek southwest of Mason Mountain, on the Edwards Plateau and part of the Llano Uplift. Its population was 2,121 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mason's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mason
Frequently asked questions
Is Mason, TX tap water safe to drink?
Mason's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #772 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Mason's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 150 violations are on record.
How is Mason'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 Mason?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mason's water come from?
Mason's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,228 residents.
What health violations has Mason's water system had?
Mason has 115 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. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mason's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mason 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 150 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 Mason's water compare to other cities?
Mason ranks #772 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 28% of state cities) and #13115 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mason's small water system affect quality?
Mason's system serves approximately 2,228 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 150 violations on record.