Is Prairie Hill, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Prairie Hill, TX — Water Quality Report
Prairie Hill's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,145 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 105 violations on record, including 79 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Prairie Hill's water
Prairie Hill ranks #773 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Prairie Hill 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, Prairie Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prairie Hill, TX water safe to drink?
Prairie Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,145 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Prairie Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prairie Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Prairie Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Prairie Hill's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 79 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 7 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 Somerville Lk Nr Somerville, Yegua Ck Nr Somerville, New Year Ck At Sh 105 Nr Brenham, Rocky Ck At Sh 105 Nr Brenham, New Year Ck At Fm 1155 Nr Chappell Hill.
Where does Prairie Hill's water come from?
Prairie Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,145 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Somerville Lk Nr Somerville (lake), Yegua Ck Nr Somerville (river), New Year Ck At Sh 105 Nr Brenham (river), Rocky Ck At Sh 105 Nr Brenham (river), New Year Ck At Fm 1155 Nr Chappell Hill (river).
What Prairie Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prairie Hill'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.
Prairie Hill'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLimestone 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
Washington County has experienced 7 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 Prairie Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Prairie Hill ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prairie Hill's water comes from
Prairie Hill'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 2,145 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Prairie Hill
Prairie Hill is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Prairie Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE HILL WSC | TX1470011 | 2,145 | GW |
How Prairie Hill compares
Full Texas rankings →Prairie Hill's score of 50/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prairie Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Limestone
Frequently asked questions
Is Prairie Hill, TX tap water safe to drink?
Prairie Hill's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #773 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Prairie Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Prairie Hill'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 Prairie Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Prairie Hill's water come from?
Prairie Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,145 residents.
What health violations has Prairie Hill's water system had?
Prairie Hill has 79 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Prairie Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Prairie Hill 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 105 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 Prairie Hill's water compare to other cities?
Prairie Hill ranks #773 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 28% of state cities) and #13118 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Prairie Hill's small water system affect quality?
Prairie Hill's system serves approximately 2,145 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 105 violations on record.