Is North Zulch, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com North Zulch, TX — Water Quality Report
North Zulch's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Zulch's water
North Zulch ranks #181 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
North Zulch 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, North Zulch may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Zulch, TX water safe to drink?
North Zulch's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Zulch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Zulch's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Zulch's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Zulch's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 9 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 At Old San Antonio Rd Nr Bryan.
Where does North Zulch's water come from?
North Zulch's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 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 At Old San Antonio Rd Nr Bryan (river).
What North Zulch residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Zulch'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.
North Zulch'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMadison 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
Madison County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Zulch compares by contaminant
Explore where North Zulch ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Zulch's water comes from
North Zulch'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 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Zulch
North Zulch is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Zulch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH ZULCH MUD | TX1570004 | 1,800 | GW |
How North Zulch compares
Full Texas rankings →North Zulch's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About North Zulch, TX
Wikipedia →North Zulch is an unincorporated community in Madison County, Texas, United States, at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 39 and State Highway 21. It is 6 miles (9.7 km) from the Navasota River and 13 miles (21 km) west of Madisonville in west-central Madison County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Zulch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is North Zulch, TX tap water safe to drink?
North Zulch's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #181 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in North Zulch's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is North Zulch'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 North Zulch?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Zulch's water come from?
North Zulch's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has North Zulch's water system had?
North Zulch has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Zulch's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Zulch 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 9 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 North Zulch's water compare to other cities?
North Zulch ranks #181 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 83% of state cities) and #5106 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Zulch's small water system affect quality?
North Zulch's system serves approximately 1,800 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 9 violations on record.