Is Rancho Viejo, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Rancho Viejo, TX — Water Quality Report
Rancho Viejo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,644 residents using 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 12 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rancho Viejo's water
Rancho Viejo ranks #308 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rancho Viejo, TX water safe to drink?
Rancho Viejo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,644 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rancho Viejo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rancho Viejo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
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 Rancho Viejo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rancho Viejo's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 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 N Main Drain At Boca Chica Hwy, Brownsville, Town Resaca At E 6Th St, Brownsville, N Main Drain At Manzano St, Brownsville, Cameron Co Ditch 1 At Fm 802, Brownsville, Resaca Del Rancho Viejo, Brownsville.
Where does Rancho Viejo's water come from?
Rancho Viejo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,644 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include N Main Drain At Boca Chica Hwy, Brownsville (river), Town Resaca At E 6Th St, Brownsville (river), N Main Drain At Manzano St, Brownsville (river), Cameron Co Ditch 1 At Fm 802, Brownsville (stream), Resaca Del Rancho Viejo, Brownsville (river).
What Rancho Viejo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rancho Viejo'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.
Rancho Viejo'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 Rancho Viejo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rancho Viejo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NATIONAL ELECTRIC COIL CO LP BROWNSVILLE, TX78521 | Lead | 1 | 9.7 mi |
CHEM PRUF DOOR BROWNSVILLE, TX78526 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MUELLER CO. - GAS PRODUCTS DIV BROWNSVILLE, TX78526 | — | — | 8.0 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rancho Viejo compares by contaminant
Explore where Rancho Viejo ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rancho Viejo's water comes from
Rancho Viejo'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 3,644 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rancho Viejo
Rancho Viejo is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rancho Viejo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALLEY MUD 2 RANCHO VIEJO | TX0310059 | 3,644 | SW |
How Rancho Viejo compares
Full Texas rankings →Rancho Viejo's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Rancho Viejo, TX
Wikipedia →Rancho Viejo is a town in Cameron County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,838 at the 2020 census, up from 2,437 at the 2010 census. The town is named from a ranch in that area named "Rancho Viejo". This ranch was owned by Blas María de la Garza Falcón, whose name was given to a nearby dam, Falcon Dam.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rancho Viejo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cameron
Frequently asked questions
Is Rancho Viejo, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rancho Viejo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #308 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rancho Viejo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Rancho Viejo'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 Rancho Viejo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rancho Viejo's water come from?
Rancho Viejo's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,644 residents.
What health violations has Rancho Viejo's water system had?
Rancho Viejo has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rancho Viejo's water compare to other cities?
Rancho Viejo ranks #308 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 71% of state cities) and #7300 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.