Is Mountain City, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Mountain City, TX — Water Quality Report
Mountain City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mountain City's water
Mountain City ranks #305 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mountain City 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, Mountain City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountain City, TX water safe to drink?
Mountain City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mountain City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Mountain City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mountain City's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hays County has experienced 2 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 Onion Ck Nr Driftwood, Bear Ck Bl Fm 1826 Nr Driftwood, Bear Ck At Spillar Ranch Rd Nr Manchaca, Stoneledge Div Of Little Bear Ck Nr Manchaca, Little Bear Ck At Stoneledge Quarry Nr Manchaca,Tx.
Where does Mountain City's water come from?
Mountain City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 725 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Onion Ck Nr Driftwood (river), Bear Ck Bl Fm 1826 Nr Driftwood (river), Bear Ck At Spillar Ranch Rd Nr Manchaca (river), Stoneledge Div Of Little Bear Ck Nr Manchaca (river), Little Bear Ck At Stoneledge Quarry Nr Manchaca,Tx (river).
What Mountain City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mountain City'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 Mountain City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mountain City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO LP BUDA, TX78610 | Nickel compounds | 8 | 2.8 mi |
CMC STEEL FABRICATORS INC (DBA CMC CAPITOL CITY STEEL) BUDA, TX78610 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2 | 5.8 mi |
ASPHALT INC BUDA CENTEX PLANT BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
CENTEX MATERIALS - BUDA RMX BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
ASPHALT INC. BUDA BUDA, TX78610 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHays 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
Hays County has experienced 2 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mountain City compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountain City ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountain City's water comes from
Mountain City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 725 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mountain City
Mountain City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mountain City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MOUNTAIN CITY | TX1050062 | 725 | GW |
How Mountain City compares
Full Texas rankings →Mountain City's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Mountain City, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountain City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hays
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain City, TX tap water safe to drink?
Mountain City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #305 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Mountain City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Mountain City'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 Mountain City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mountain City's water come from?
Mountain City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 725 residents.
Is Mountain City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mountain City 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 16 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 Mountain City's water compare to other cities?
Mountain City ranks #305 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 71% of state cities) and #7270 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mountain City's small water system affect quality?
Mountain City's system serves approximately 725 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 16 violations on record.