Is Ponder, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Ponder, TX — Water Quality Report
Ponder's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,711 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 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ponder's water
Ponder ranks #290 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ponder 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, Ponder may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ponder, TX water safe to drink?
Ponder's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,711 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ponder
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ponder's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ponder's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ponder's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Denton County has experienced 4 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 Hickory Ck At Denton, Denton Ck At Cr 2513 Nr Decatur, Denton Ck Nr Justin.
Where does Ponder's water come from?
Ponder's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,711 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hickory Ck At Denton (river), Denton Ck At Cr 2513 Nr Decatur (river), Denton Ck Nr Justin (river).
What Ponder residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ponder'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.
Ponder'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 Ponder
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ponder, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WABTEC MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS LLC FORT WORTH, TX76177 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ACME BRICK CO-DENTON PLANT DENTON, TX76205 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
PETERBILT MOTORS CO DENTON, TX76207 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
VICTOR EQUIPMENT CO DENTON, TX76207 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
EDSCO FASTENERS DENTON, TX76207 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Denton County has experienced 4 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 Ponder compares by contaminant
Explore where Ponder ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ponder's water comes from
Ponder'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 2,711 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ponder
Ponder is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ponder
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF PONDER | TX0610039 | 2,711 | GW |
How Ponder compares
Full Texas rankings →Ponder's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Ponder, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ponder's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Denton
Frequently asked questions
Is Ponder, TX tap water safe to drink?
Ponder's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #290 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Ponder's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Ponder'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 Ponder?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ponder's water come from?
Ponder's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,711 residents.
What health violations has Ponder's water system had?
Ponder has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ponder's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ponder 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 11 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 Ponder's water compare to other cities?
Ponder ranks #290 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 73% of state cities) and #6918 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ponder's small water system affect quality?
Ponder's system serves approximately 2,711 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 11 violations on record.