Is Quanah, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
53.3/100
waterverge.com Quanah, TX — Water Quality Report
Quanah's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,662 residents using purchased surface water.
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 67 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quanah's water
Quanah ranks #749 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Quanah may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quanah, TX water safe to drink?
Quanah's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,662 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quanah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quanah's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Quanah's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Quanah's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardeman County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Groesbeck Ck At Sh 6 Nr Quanah.
Where does Quanah's water come from?
Quanah's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,662 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Groesbeck Ck At Sh 6 Nr Quanah (river).
What Quanah residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quanah'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 droughtHardeman 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
Hardeman County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Quanah's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.480 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Quanah compares by contaminant
Explore where Quanah ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quanah's water comes from
Quanah'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 2,662 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Quanah
Quanah 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 Quanah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF QUANAH | TX0990002 | 2,662 | SWP |
How Quanah compares
Full Texas rankings →Quanah's score of 53.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Quanah, TX
Wikipedia →Quanah is a city in and the county seat of Hardeman County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 2,279, down from 2,641 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quanah's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardeman
Frequently asked questions
Is Quanah, TX tap water safe to drink?
Quanah's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #749 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Quanah's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Quanah'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 Quanah?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quanah's water come from?
Quanah's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,662 residents.
What health violations has Quanah's water system had?
Quanah has 9 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. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Quanah's water compare to other cities?
Quanah ranks #749 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 30% of state cities) and #12689 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Quanah's small water system affect quality?
Quanah's system serves approximately 2,662 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 67 violations on record.