Is Newark, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 284 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Newark, TX — Water Quality Report
Newark's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,352 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 850 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 284 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newark's water
Newark ranks #836 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Newark 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, Newark may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 240 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newark, TX water safe to drink?
Newark's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,352 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newark
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newark's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Newark's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newark's water system has 850 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 284 remain unresolved. 240 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wise 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 W Fk Trinity Rv Nr Boyd, Walnut Ck At Reno, Eagle Mtn Res Abv Ft Worth.
Where does Newark's water come from?
Newark's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,352 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include W Fk Trinity Rv Nr Boyd (river), Walnut Ck At Reno (river), Eagle Mtn Res Abv Ft Worth (lake).
What Newark residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newark'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 Newark
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newark, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORT WORTH F&D HEAD CO INC. FORT WORTH, TX76179 | Chromium | 0 | 6.6 mi |
MM-RHOME READY MIX RHOME, TX76078 | Lead compounds | 0 | 3.1 mi |
MODERN WELDING CO OF TX INC RHOME, TX76078 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
A-GAS US INC RHOME, TX76078 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Newark
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SANDY BEACH ROAD GROUND WATER PLUME6.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Wise 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newark compares by contaminant
Explore where Newark ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newark's water comes from
Newark'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 1,352 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Newark
Newark is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newark
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF NEWARK | TX2490008 | 1,232 | GW |
| T L WATER JONES ACRES | TX2490018 | 120 | GW |
How Newark compares
Full Texas rankings →Newark's score of 47/100 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 Newark, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newark's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wise
Frequently asked questions
Is Newark, TX tap water safe to drink?
Newark's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #836 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Newark's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 850 violations are on record.
How is Newark'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 Newark?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newark's water come from?
Newark's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,352 residents.
What health violations has Newark's water system had?
Newark has 3 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. 284 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newark's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newark 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 850 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 Newark's water compare to other cities?
Newark ranks #836 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 22% of state cities) and #13773 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.