Is Palm Valley, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Palm Valley, TX — Water Quality Report
Palm Valley's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 12 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palm Valley's water
Palm Valley ranks #105 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Palm Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palm Valley, TX water safe to drink?
Palm Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Palm Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palm Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4871). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palm Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palm Valley's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cameron County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Rio Grande Nr Mercedes.
Where does Palm Valley's water come from?
Palm Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rio Grande Nr Mercedes (river).
What Palm Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palm Valley'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.
Palm Valley'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 Palm Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Palm Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
ASPHALT PRODUCTS INC. HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
PENN ALUMINUM HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
TITAN FUEL TERMINALS HARLINGEN LLC HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
TITAN FUEL TERMINALS HARLINGEN LLC HARLINGEN, TX78550 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCameron 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
Cameron County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Palm Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Palm Valley ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palm Valley's water comes from
Palm Valley'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 1,310 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Palm Valley
Palm Valley is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Palm Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF PALM VALLEY | TX0310027 | 1,310 | SWP |
How Palm Valley compares
Full Texas rankings →Palm Valley's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Palm Valley, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palm Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cameron
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Valley, TX tap water safe to drink?
Palm Valley's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #105 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Palm Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Palm Valley'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 Palm Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palm Valley's water come from?
Palm Valley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 residents.
What health violations has Palm Valley's water system had?
Palm Valley has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Palm Valley's water compare to other cities?
Palm Valley ranks #105 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 90% of state cities) and #3831 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Palm Valley's small water system affect quality?
Palm Valley's system serves approximately 1,310 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 12 violations on record.