Is Matagorda, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Matagorda, TX — Water Quality Report
Matagorda's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,846 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 128 violations on record, including 112 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Matagorda's water
Matagorda ranks #864 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Matagorda 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, Matagorda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 41 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Matagorda, TX water safe to drink?
Matagorda'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 1,846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Matagorda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Matagorda's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Matagorda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Matagorda's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 112 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 41 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Wadsworth, Colorado Rv Bypass Channel Nr Matagorda.
Where does Matagorda's water come from?
Matagorda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,846 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 Wadsworth (stream), Colorado Rv Bypass Channel Nr Matagorda (stream).
What Matagorda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Matagorda'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.
Matagorda'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 Matagorda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Matagorda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EQUISTAR CHEMICALS LP-MATAGORDA FACILITY BAY CITY, TX77414 | n-Hexane | 7 | 6.4 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Matagorda's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (2025)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Matagorda compares by contaminant
Explore where Matagorda ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Matagorda's water comes from
Matagorda'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 1,846 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Matagorda
Matagorda is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Matagorda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATAGORDA WSC | TX1610013 | 1,746 | GW |
| RIVER BEND WATER SERVICES | TX1610030 | 100 | GW |
How Matagorda compares
Full Texas rankings →Matagorda'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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Matagorda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Matagorda
Frequently asked questions
Is Matagorda, TX tap water safe to drink?
Matagorda's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #864 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Matagorda's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Matagorda'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 Matagorda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Matagorda's water come from?
Matagorda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,846 residents.
What health violations has Matagorda's water system had?
Matagorda has 112 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Matagorda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Matagorda 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 128 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 Matagorda's water compare to other cities?
Matagorda ranks #864 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 19% of state cities) and #14026 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.