Is Paducah, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 68 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47.9/100
waterverge.com Paducah, TX — Water Quality Report
Paducah's drinking water received a grade of D (47.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,165 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 134 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paducah's water
Paducah ranks #806 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Paducah 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, Paducah may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paducah, TX water safe to drink?
Paducah's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,165 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paducah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paducah's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1931). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Paducah's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paducah's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cottle County has experienced 2 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.
Where does Paducah's water come from?
Paducah's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,165 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Paducah residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paducah'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCottle 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
Cottle County has experienced 2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paducah compares by contaminant
Explore where Paducah ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paducah's water comes from
Paducah'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 1,165 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Paducah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF PADUCAH | TX0510001 | 1,087 | GW |
| KING COTTLE WSC | TX0510004 | 78 | GW |
How Paducah compares
Full Texas rankings →Paducah's score of 47.9/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Paducah, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paducah's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cottle
Frequently asked questions
Is Paducah, TX tap water safe to drink?
Paducah's water quality earned a grade of D (47.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #806 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Paducah's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Paducah'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 Paducah?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paducah's water come from?
Paducah's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,165 residents.
What health violations has Paducah's water system had?
Paducah has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 68 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paducah's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paducah 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 134 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 Paducah's water compare to other cities?
Paducah ranks #806 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 24% of state cities) and #13560 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.