Is Petrolia, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 55 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Petrolia, TX — Water Quality Report
Petrolia's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 514 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 118 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved.
What to know about Petrolia's water
Petrolia ranks #899 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Petrolia 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, Petrolia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Petrolia, TX water safe to drink?
Petrolia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 514 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Petrolia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Petrolia's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood 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 Petrolia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Petrolia's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay 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. Local water sources include Wichita Rv Nr Charlie.
Where does Petrolia's water come from?
Petrolia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 514 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wichita Rv Nr Charlie (river).
What Petrolia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Petrolia'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
D1 — moderate droughtClay County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Clay 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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Petrolia compares by contaminant
Explore where Petrolia ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Petrolia's water comes from
Petrolia'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 514 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Petrolia
Petrolia is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Petrolia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF PETROLIA | TX0390002 | 514 | GW |
How Petrolia compares
Full Texas rankings →Petrolia's score of 45/100 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 Petrolia, TX
Wikipedia →Petrolia is a city in Clay County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas metropolitan statistical area. Its population was 514 at the 2020 census, down from 686 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Petrolia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Petrolia, TX tap water safe to drink?
Petrolia's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #899 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Petrolia's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 118 violations are on record.
How is Petrolia'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 Petrolia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Petrolia's water come from?
Petrolia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 514 residents.
What health violations has Petrolia's water system had?
Petrolia has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 55 violations remain unresolved.
Is Petrolia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Petrolia 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 118 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 Petrolia's water compare to other cities?
Petrolia ranks #899 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 16% of state cities) and #14315 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Petrolia's small water system affect quality?
Petrolia's system serves approximately 514 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 118 violations on record.