Is Refugio, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.1/100
waterverge.com Refugio, TX — Water Quality Report
Refugio's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,728 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 60 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Refugio's water
Refugio ranks #545 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Refugio 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Refugio may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Refugio, TX water safe to drink?
Refugio's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,728 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Refugio
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Refugio's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Refugio's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Refugio's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Refugio County has experienced 10 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 Mission Rv At Refugio, Devils Run Ck At Us 77 Nr Woodsboro.
Where does Refugio's water come from?
Refugio's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,728 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mission Rv At Refugio (river), Devils Run Ck At Us 77 Nr Woodsboro (river).
What Refugio residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Refugio'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Refugio'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
D3 — extreme droughtRefugio 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
Refugio County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters 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 Refugio'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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Refugio compares by contaminant
Explore where Refugio ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Refugio's water comes from
Refugio'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 2,728 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Refugio
Refugio is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Refugio
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF REFUGIO | TX1960001 | 2,728 | GW |
How Refugio compares
Full Texas rankings →Refugio's score of 72.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Refugio, TX
Wikipedia →Refugio is a town in Refugio County, of which it is the county seat, in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 2,712 as of the 2020 Census. Refugio is the birthplace of Baseball Hall of Fame member Nolan Ryan.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Refugio's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Refugio
Frequently asked questions
Is Refugio, TX tap water safe to drink?
Refugio's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #545 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Refugio's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Refugio'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 Refugio?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Refugio's water come from?
Refugio's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,728 residents.
Is Refugio's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Refugio 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 60 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 Refugio's water compare to other cities?
Refugio ranks #545 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 49% of state cities) and #10439 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Refugio's small water system affect quality?
Refugio's system serves approximately 2,728 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 60 violations on record.