Is Nocona, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.1/100
waterverge.com Nocona, TX — Water Quality Report
Nocona's drinking water received a grade of C (62.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,770 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 10.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 29 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nocona's water
Nocona ranks #678 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nocona, TX water safe to drink?
Nocona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,770 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nocona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nocona's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood 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 Nocona's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Nocona's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montague 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 Lk Nocona Nr Nocona.
Where does Nocona's water come from?
Nocona's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,770 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Nocona Nr Nocona (lake).
What Nocona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nocona'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMontague County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Montague 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Nocona'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. | 10.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nocona compares by contaminant
Explore where Nocona ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nocona's water comes from
Nocona'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 3,770 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Nocona
Nocona 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 Nocona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF NOCONA | TX1690002 | 3,170 | SW |
| NOCONA HILLS WSC | TX1690009 | 600 | GW |
How Nocona compares
Full Texas rankings →Nocona's score of 62.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Nocona, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nocona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montague
Frequently asked questions
Is Nocona, TX tap water safe to drink?
Nocona's water quality earned a grade of C (62.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #678 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Nocona's water?
Lead was measured at 10.1 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Nocona'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 Nocona?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nocona's water come from?
Nocona's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,770 residents.
What health violations has Nocona's water system had?
Nocona has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nocona's water compare to other cities?
Nocona ranks #678 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 36% of state cities) and #11916 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.