Is Olney, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.4/100
waterverge.com Olney, TX — Water Quality Report
Olney's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,285 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 16 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Olney's water
Olney ranks #504 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, Olney may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olney, TX water safe to drink?
Olney's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,285 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Olney
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olney's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Olney's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Olney's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 6 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.
Where does Olney's water come from?
Olney's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,285 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Olney residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Olney'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 Olney
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Olney, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 33 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TOWER EXTRUSIONS LLC OLNEY, TX76374 | Manganese | 33 | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Olney compares by contaminant
Explore where Olney ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olney's water comes from
Olney'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 3,285 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Olney
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF OLNEY | TX2520003 | 3,285 | SW |
How Olney compares
Full Texas rankings →Olney's score of 74.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Olney, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olney's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Young
Frequently asked questions
Is Olney, TX tap water safe to drink?
Olney's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #504 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Olney's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Olney'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 Olney?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Olney's water come from?
Olney's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,285 residents.
What health violations has Olney's water system had?
Olney has 2 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Olney's water compare to other cities?
Olney ranks #504 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 53% of state cities) and #9858 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olney's small water system affect quality?
Olney's system serves approximately 3,285 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 16 violations on record.