Is Rankin, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.1/100
waterverge.com Rankin, TX — Water Quality Report
Rankin's drinking water received a grade of D (48.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 846 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 73 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rankin's water
Rankin ranks #800 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Rankin purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Rankin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rankin, TX water safe to drink?
Rankin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rankin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rankin's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Rankin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rankin's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Upton 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.
Where does Rankin's water come from?
Rankin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 846 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rankin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rankin'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rankin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rankin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PANTHER GAS PLANT RANKIN, TX79778 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtUpton 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
Upton 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.
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rankin compares by contaminant
Explore where Rankin ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rankin's water comes from
Rankin purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Rankin's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 846 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Rankin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF RANKIN | TX2310002 | 846 | GWP |
| UPTON COUNTY WCID 1 RANKIN | TX2310027 | — | GW |
| UPTON COUNTY WCID 1 MCCAMEY | TX2310028 | — | GW |
How Rankin compares
Full Texas rankings →Rankin's score of 48.1/100 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 Rankin, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rankin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Upton
Frequently asked questions
Is Rankin, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rankin's water quality earned a grade of D (48.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #800 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rankin's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Rankin'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 Rankin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rankin's water come from?
Rankin's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Rankin's water system had?
Rankin has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rankin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rankin 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 73 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 Rankin's water compare to other cities?
Rankin ranks #800 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 25% of state cities) and #13494 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.