Is Rising Star, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
Rising Star, TX — Water Quality Report
Rising Star's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 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 39 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rising Star's water
Rising Star ranks #359 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rising Star 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, Rising Star may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rising Star, TX water safe to drink?
Rising Star's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rising Star
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rising Star's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rising Star's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rising Star's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eastland County has experienced 3 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.
Where does Rising Star's water come from?
Rising Star's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 765 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rising Star residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rising Star'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.
Rising Star'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
Flood & disaster history
Eastland County has experienced 3 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 Rising Star compares by contaminant
Explore where Rising Star ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rising Star's water comes from
Rising Star'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 765 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rising Star
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF RISING STAR | TX0670005 | 765 | GW |
How Rising Star compares
Full Texas rankings →Rising Star's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Rising Star, TX
Wikipedia →Rising Star is a town in Eastland County, Texas, United States. Its population as of the 2020 census was 756.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rising Star's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eastland
Frequently asked questions
Is Rising Star, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rising Star's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #359 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rising Star's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Rising Star'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 Rising Star?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rising Star's water come from?
Rising Star's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 765 residents.
What health violations has Rising Star's water system had?
Rising Star has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rising Star's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rising Star 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 39 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 Rising Star's water compare to other cities?
Rising Star ranks #359 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 66% of state cities) and #8026 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rising Star's small water system affect quality?
Rising Star's system serves approximately 765 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 39 violations on record.