Is Newcastle, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com Newcastle, TX — Water Quality Report
Newcastle's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 532 residents using purchased surface water.
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 33 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newcastle's water
Newcastle ranks #451 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Newcastle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newcastle, TX water safe to drink?
Newcastle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 532 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newcastle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newcastle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Newcastle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newcastle's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Young County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Lk Graham Nr Graham.
Where does Newcastle's water come from?
Newcastle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 532 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Graham Nr Graham (lake).
What Newcastle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newcastle'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
Flood & disaster history
Young County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Newcastle compares by contaminant
Explore where Newcastle ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newcastle's water comes from
Newcastle's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 532 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newcastle
Newcastle is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Newcastle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF NEWCASTLE | TX2520002 | 532 | SWP |
How Newcastle compares
Full Texas rankings →Newcastle's score of 76.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Newcastle, TX
Wikipedia →Newcastle is a city in Young County, Texas, United States. Following the beginning of coal mining in 1908, the town was established and named after the English coal town, Newcastle upon Tyne. Coal mining had ended by 1942. Its population was 526 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newcastle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Young
Frequently asked questions
Is Newcastle, TX tap water safe to drink?
Newcastle's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #451 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Newcastle's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Newcastle'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 Newcastle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newcastle's water come from?
Newcastle's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 532 residents.
What health violations has Newcastle's water system had?
Newcastle has 4 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newcastle's water compare to other cities?
Newcastle ranks #451 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 58% of state cities) and #9233 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newcastle's small water system affect quality?
Newcastle's system serves approximately 532 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 33 violations on record.