Is Ore City, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Ore City, TX — Water Quality Report
Ore City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ore City's water
Ore City ranks #174 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ore City 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, Ore City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ore City, TX water safe to drink?
Ore City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ore City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ore City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ore City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ore City's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Upshur County has experienced 5 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 Little Cypress Ck Nr Ore City.
Where does Ore City's water come from?
Ore City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Cypress Ck Nr Ore City (river).
What Ore City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ore City'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.
Ore City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ore City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ore City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LONE STAR SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC LONE STAR, TX75668 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUpshur County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Upshur County has experienced 5 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 Ore City compares by contaminant
Explore where Ore City ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ore City's water comes from
Ore City'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 1,509 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ore City
Ore City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ore City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ORE CITY | TX2300003 | 1,509 | GW |
How Ore City compares
Full Texas rankings →Ore City's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Ore City, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ore City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Upshur
Frequently asked questions
Is Ore City, TX tap water safe to drink?
Ore City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #174 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Ore City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Ore City'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 Ore City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ore City's water come from?
Ore City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 residents.
What health violations has Ore City's water system had?
Ore City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ore City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ore City 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 15 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 Ore City's water compare to other cities?
Ore City ranks #174 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 84% of state cities) and #5036 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 Ore City's small water system affect quality?
Ore City's system serves approximately 1,509 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 15 violations on record.