Is Olden, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
waterverge.com Olden, TX — Water Quality Report
Olden's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 783 residents using purchased surface water.
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 32 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Olden's water
Olden ranks #395 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, Olden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olden, TX water safe to drink?
Olden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Olden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olden's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Olden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Olden's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Eastland County has experienced 3 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 Eastland Nr Eastland, Leon Res Nr Ranger.
Where does Olden's water come from?
Olden's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Eastland Nr Eastland (lake), Leon Res Nr Ranger (lake).
What Olden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Olden'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.
Olden'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
Flood & disaster history
Eastland County has experienced 3 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 Olden compares by contaminant
Explore where Olden ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olden's water comes from
Olden'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 783 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Olden
Olden is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Olden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLDEN WSC | TX0670020 | 783 | SWP |
How Olden compares
Full Texas rankings →Olden's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Olden, TX
Wikipedia →Olden is an unincorporated community in Eastland County, Texas, United States. Olden has a post office, with the ZIP code 76466.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eastland
Frequently asked questions
Is Olden, TX tap water safe to drink?
Olden's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #395 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Olden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Olden'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 Olden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Olden's water come from?
Olden's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 783 residents.
What health violations has Olden's water system had?
Olden has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Olden's water compare to other cities?
Olden ranks #395 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 63% of state cities) and #8522 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olden's small water system affect quality?
Olden's system serves approximately 783 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 32 violations on record.