WaterVerge

Is New Baden, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX1980012
Overall Score
92.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#12 of 1067 in Texas Top 8% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.4/100
waterverge.com
A 92.4/100

New Baden, TX — Water Quality Report

New Baden's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about New Baden's water

New Baden ranks #12 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

New Baden 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, New Baden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.4 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.2/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is New Baden, TX water safe to drink?

Use Caution

New Baden's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for New Baden

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Baden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Baden's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

New Baden's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2015 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2014 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Feb 2009 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Robertson County has experienced 4 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 Navasota Rv Nr Easterly.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA DR-1791

Where does New Baden's water come from?

New Baden'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 Navasota Rv Nr Easterly (river).

What New Baden residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

New Baden'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 3% of limit
Safe Level
Strontium
Inorganic
Elevated
830.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 55% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

8
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

8 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Oct 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2012
Feb 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2009
Dec 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Aug 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2008
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Robertson 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Robertson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #1791
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.9 ppb from 1993 (2.3 ppb) to 2024 (0.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,400
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where New Baden's water comes from

Groundwater

New Baden'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.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near New Baden

New Baden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Navasota Rv Nr Easterly
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving New Baden

System Name PWSID Population Source
TWIN CREEK WSC TX1980012 1,400 GW
Regional Comparison

How New Baden compares

Full Texas rankings →

New Baden's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

New Baden (this city)
92.4
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is New Baden, TX tap water safe to drink?

New Baden's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in New Baden's water?

Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.

How is New Baden'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 New Baden?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does New Baden's water come from?

New Baden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.

What health violations has New Baden's water system had?

New Baden has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is New Baden's groundwater at risk of contamination?

New Baden 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 New Baden's water compare to other cities?

New Baden ranks #12 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 99% of state cities) and #1256 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does New Baden's small water system affect quality?

New Baden'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.