Is Oyster Creek, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but NDMA was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.7/100
waterverge.com Oyster Creek, TX — Water Quality Report
Oyster Creek's drinking water received a grade of B (75.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,701 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 19 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oyster Creek's water
Oyster Creek ranks #482 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, Oyster Creek 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 Oyster Creek, TX water safe to drink?
Oyster Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,701 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oyster Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oyster Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oyster Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oyster Creek's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brazoria County has experienced 10 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 Bastrop Bayou At Cr 288 Nr Lake Jackson, Oyster Ck At Cr 290 Nr Angleton, Oyster Ck At Fm 2004 Nr Lake Jackson, Old Brazos Rv Nr Freeport, Brazos Rv At Giww Flood Gates Nr Freeport.
Where does Oyster Creek's water come from?
Oyster Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,701 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bastrop Bayou At Cr 288 Nr Lake Jackson (river), Oyster Ck At Cr 290 Nr Angleton (river), Oyster Ck At Fm 2004 Nr Lake Jackson (stream), Old Brazos Rv Nr Freeport (stream), Brazos Rv At Giww Flood Gates Nr Freeport (stream).
What Oyster Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oyster Creek'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.
Oyster Creek'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 Oyster Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oyster Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,009,346 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASF CORP - FREEPORT SITE FREEPORT, TX77541 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 905,406 | 3.9 mi |
DOW CHEMICAL CO FREEPORT FACILITY FREEPORT, TX775413257 | Ammonia | 84,848 | 3.1 mi |
GLADIEUX METALS RECYCLING LLC FREEPORT, TX77541 | Molybdenum trioxide | 8,368 | 3.0 mi |
VENCOREX US INC FREEPORT, TX77541 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 6,868 | 2.3 mi |
HUNTSMAN ETHYLENEAMINES PLANT FREEPORT, TX77541 | Ammonia | 3,856 | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Oyster Creek
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GULFCO MARINE MAINTENANCE3.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBrazoria County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Brazoria County has experienced 10 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oyster Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Oyster Creek ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oyster Creek's water comes from
Oyster Creek'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 1,701 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oyster Creek
Oyster Creek is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Oyster Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF OYSTER CREEK | TX0200230 | 1,701 | SWP |
How Oyster Creek compares
Full Texas rankings →Oyster Creek's score of 75.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Oyster Creek, TX
Wikipedia →Oyster Creek is a city in Brazoria County, Texas, United States. Its population was 1,173 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oyster Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brazoria
Frequently asked questions
Is Oyster Creek, TX tap water safe to drink?
Oyster Creek's water quality earned a grade of B (75.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #482 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Oyster Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Oyster Creek'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 Oyster Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oyster Creek's water come from?
Oyster Creek's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,701 residents.
What health violations has Oyster Creek's water system had?
Oyster Creek has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oyster Creek's water compare to other cities?
Oyster Creek ranks #482 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 55% of state cities) and #9512 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oyster Creek's small water system affect quality?
Oyster Creek's system serves approximately 1,701 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 19 violations on record.